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SAW → MLA
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Malta International Airport (Malta)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Istanbul urban sprawl upon departure, the historical Dardanelles strait, and a spectacular approach over the Grand Harbour and Valletta when arriving in Malta.
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Istanbul Skyline
Potential views of the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula shortly after takeoff from SAW depending on the departure route.
Dardanelles Strait
A clear view of the narrow waterway separating Europe and Asia near Çanakkale.
Attica Coastline
The rugged coast of mainland Greece near Athens and the Saronic Gulf are often visible.
Peloponnese Mountains
Stunning aerial vistas of the Taygetos and Parnon mountain ranges as you cross the Greek mainland.
Valletta and Grand Harbour
If the aircraft approaches Malta from the north or east for Runway 13, you get a world-class view of the fortified capital.
The right side is highly recommended for capturing the iconic fortifications of Valletta during the final approach. For the best photography of the Greek mountains and the Dardanelles, ensure you have a window seat clear of the wing. During sunset flights, this side will experience the golden hour over the Mediterranean, providing exceptional light for photography.
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Sea of Marmara
Initial climb offers views of the southern coastline of the Asian side of Istanbul and the Princes' Islands.
Cyclades Islands
Deep blue views of the Aegean Sea dotted with various Greek islands like Mykonos or Milos depending on the airway.
Mount Ida
Visible to the south as the flight crosses the Turkish coastline towards the Aegean Sea.
Marsaxlokk Bay
Upon descent into Malta, views of the colorful fishing boats and the Delimara power station.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun which will be on the south-facing side of the aircraft. This side is also excellent for spotting the scattered Greek archipelagos in the Ionian and Aegean seas. Watch for the southern tip of the Peloponnese during the mid-flight phase.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for MaltaDistance: 1,407 km (874 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 53 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: MLA (35.857498, 14.4775)
Route Type: International
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