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SHJ → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Sharjah International Airport (Sharjah) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most consistent geographic interest, featuring the dramatic Zagros Mountains of Iran and the stunning turquoise expanse of Lake Van in Eastern Turkey.
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Zagros Mountains
Extensive views of the massive folded mountain belts and high-altitude valleys of Western Iran.
Lake Van
The largest lake in Turkey, appearing as a vibrant blue jewel amidst the rugged Eastern Anatolian terrain.
Anatolian Plateau
The vast, colorful heartland of Turkey featuring diverse geological formations and remote settlements.
Black Sea Coast
Dense forests and the verdant shoreline where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea.
Bosphorus Bridges
Views of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia during specific northern arrival patterns into Istanbul.
The right side is superior for mountain lovers. Look for the striking blue of Lake Van approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes into the flight. For the best view of the Bosphorus, pray for a northern approach (Runway 18), which brings the plane over the Black Sea for a spectacular turn over the strait.
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Dubai Skyline
Iconic views of the Burj Khalifa and the coastal development of the UAE shortly after takeoff.
Kuwait City
Aerial perspective of the Kuwait Towers and the northern tip of the Persian Gulf coastline.
Mesopotamian Plains
The historic fertile crescent and the winding path of the Euphrates river through Iraq.
Taurus Mountains
Sharp, snow-capped peaks and rugged limestone ridges as the flight enters Southern Turkey.
Prince Islands
A beautiful cluster of islands in the Sea of Marmara visible during the final descent into SAW.
Choose the left side for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Anatolian plateau. On approach to SAW, this side is often better for spotting the dense urban sprawl of Istanbul and the Marmara islands if landing from the south. Keep your camera ready in the first 10 minutes for the Dubai skyline.
Get eSIMs for United Arab Emirates
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,973 km (1,847 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 58 min
Departure: SHJ (25.32859992980957, 55.5172004699707)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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