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STW → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Stavropol Shpakovskoye Airport (Stavropol) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the snow-capped Greater Caucasus mountains shortly after takeoff and the scenic Princes' Islands during the approach into Istanbul.
Search flights from STW to SAW
Greater Caucasus Range
Breathtaking views of the high-altitude peaks, including the possibility of spotting Mount Elbrus to the south.
Sochi and Adler Coast
Aerial view of the 2014 Winter Olympics site and the transition from the mountains to the Black Sea.
Pontic Mountains
The rugged Turkish coastline mountains appearing as the flight approaches the Anatolian peninsula.
Princes' Islands
A beautiful cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, visible during the final descent into SAW.
Sea of Marmara
Deep blue waters separating the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, often dotted with cargo ships.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes after takeoff for the best mountain shots. During the approach to Sabiha Gökçen, this side provides the best perspective of the islands and the Asian side's coastline.
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Stavropol Upland
The rolling agricultural plains and steppe landscapes of southern Russia immediately after departure.
Black Sea Horizon
A vast, meditative expanse of open water for the middle duration of the flight route.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
The third Bosphorus bridge is often visible to the west when the flight enters Turkish airspace from the north.
Istanbul Outskirts
The dense, expanding urban landscape of Istanbul's northern districts during the descent.
Choose the right side if you are flying in the late afternoon or evening to witness a spectacular sunset over the Black Sea. Look for the Bosphorus strait in the distance as you descend; it marks the boundary between Europe and Asia.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,140 km (708 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min
Departure: STW (45.10919952392578, 42.11280059814453)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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