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SAW → RUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior mix of water features and desert contrasts, including the Turkish Lake District, distant views of the Mediterranean, and the dramatic textures of the Great Nafud Desert.
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Sea of Marmara
Excellent views of the coastline and shipping lanes immediately after taking off from SAW.
Lake Beyşehir
Turkey's largest freshwater lake, known for its brilliant blue hues and surrounding peaks.
Mediterranean Horizon
Distant glimmers of the Turquoise Coast as the plane traverses Southern Turkey.
Jordanian Rift
Potential distant views of the Dead Sea and the unique geography of the Jordan Valley.
Great Nafud Desert
Spectacular red-orange sand dunes spanning hundreds of miles across Northern Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh City Center
Panoramic views of the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliyah Tower during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to enjoy the golden hour over the Saudi dunes. Keep an eye out for the distinctive circular irrigation farms in the desert. On clear days, the contrast between the Turkish lakes and the Arabian sands is breathtaking.
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Central Anatolian Plateau
High-altitude steppe landscapes and rugged terrain of inner Turkey.
Taurus Mountains
Stunning snow-capped limestone peaks visible during the first hour of flight.
Anatolian Heartland
Patchwork agricultural fields transitioning into the arid lands of the south.
Northern Saudi Plains
Vast, rocky desert plains that precede the arrival into the Riyadh region.
Riyadh North
Expanding urban developments and industrial hubs on the approach to RUH.
Sit on the left for early morning flights to witness the sunrise over the Anatolian mountains. This side is typically shielded from the direct afternoon sun, making it easier to take photos of the desert landscape without window glare.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaDistance: 2,394 km (1,488 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 12 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Route Type: International
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