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SKP → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Skopje Alexander the Great Airport (Skopje) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for the approach into Istanbul, offering a panoramic view of the Bosphorus, the city's iconic bridges, and the transition from the European to the Asian continent.
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Rhodope Mountains
Dense forests and rugged peaks along the border of Bulgaria and Greece shortly after takeoff.
Thracian Plain
Expansive agricultural landscapes of Eastern Thrace as the flight crosses into Turkish airspace.
Istanbul Skyline
A high-altitude view of the Maslak and Levent business districts featuring modern skyscrapers.
Bosphorus Bridges
Aerial perspective of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia, often visible during the descent into SAW.
Golden Horn
The historic primary inlet of the Bosphorus, marking the boundaries of the Old City.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Bosphorus strait. For evening flights, the city lights of Istanbul provide a stunning grid pattern. Aim for a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze blurring your photos of the bridges.
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Aegean Sea Horizon
Distant views of the northern Aegean coastline and the Gulf of Saros during mid-flight.
Gallipoli Peninsula
On clear days, the historic Dardanelles and Gallipoli area are visible to the far south.
Sea of Marmara
The flight tracks along the northern coast of this internal sea during the final approach phase.
Princes' Islands
A cluster of nine islands in the Marmara Sea, visible just before touchdown at Sabiha Gökçen.
Port of Pendik
Large industrial docks and shipping vessels lining the Asian coast of Istanbul during final descent.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It offers excellent views of the Princes' Islands if the plane approaches SAW from the west. Look for the distinctive white wakes of ferries crossing the Marmara Sea.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 652 km (405 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min
Departure: SKP (41.961601, 21.621401)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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