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SXF → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Berlin-Schönefeld Airport (Berlin) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it typically offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bosphorus Strait and the historic European side of Istanbul during the final approach into Sabiha Gökçen.
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Berlin Cityscape
Aerial views of the German capital's southern districts and the extensive forests of Brandenburg shortly after takeoff.
Prague & Vltava
Clear views of the 'City of a Hundred Spires' and the winding Vltava River as the plane traverses the Czech Republic.
Budapest & Danube
The majestic Danube River cutting through the Hungarian capital, with the Parliament building often visible in the distance.
Balkan Mountains
Rugged peaks and deep valleys of the Stara Planina range in Bulgaria, providing dramatic terrain contrast.
Black Sea Coast
The sudden transition from the green Bulgarian landscape to the deep blue of the Black Sea as you approach the Turkish border.
Bosphorus Strait
The world-famous waterway separating Europe and Asia, featuring the bridges and the dense skyline of old Istanbul.
Book a seat in the front third of the cabin to avoid wing obstruction. For the best experience, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn clearly during the descent. If the flight path approaches from the north, you will see the northern forests of Istanbul meeting the sea.
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Erzgebirge Mountains
The Ore Mountains forming the natural border between Germany and the Czech Republic, covered in dense spruce forests.
Vienna Outskirts
Distant views of the Austrian capital and the surrounding vineyards of the Lower Austria region.
Lake Balaton
Central Europe's largest lake, easily recognizable by its elongated shape and distinct turquoise-green water color.
Belgrade Skyline
The confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers at the heart of the Serbian capital, usually visible mid-flight.
Prince Islands
The cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, visible during the final banking turn into Sabiha Gökçen.
The right side is excellent for afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the Balkan Peninsula. Watch for the shimmering surface of Lake Balaton in Hungary, which is a major landmark on this flight path. During the final descent, look for the large cargo ships anchored in the Sea of Marmara.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,748 km (1,086 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 20 min
Departure: SXF (52.380001, 13.5225)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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