Left seats dominate the landing experience with Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong's iconic skyline. The takeoff advantage goes right, but the landing view is far more visually rewarding and memorable for most passengers.
Flown BOM to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bombay to Hong Kong is 2,654 miles (4,272 km), a flight of about 5 hours 35 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then the Indian subcontinent's interior (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh regions—largely forested plateau), before entering the Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal crossing dominates the middle 2+ hours of flight. Notable features include the Deccan Plateau's dark green forests visible during the initial inland climb, the Bay of Bengal's open water with occasional shipping lanes, and the Myanmar coast (Irrawaddy Delta region) appearing as a low, hazy landmass 90 minutes before Hong Kong. The final approach descends over the South China Sea with scattered islands and the Lantau Island group visible before reaching Hong Kong.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOM
RIGHTBOM typically departs runway 09L/27R or 09R/27L depending on wind. Eastbound departures (09L/09R) climb over the Arabian Sea initially, but right-side seats capture the Western Ghats mountain range rising inland as you climb out. Left seats see mostly water and the flat coastal plain.
Landing at HKG
LEFTHKG's main runways are 07L/25R and 07R/25L. Westbound arrivals descend on approach from the northwest, and left-side seats offer superior views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon Peninsula. Right seats see mostly the New Territories and airport infrastructure.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bombay to Hong Kong. Left seats dominate the landing experience with Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong's iconic skyline. The takeoff advantage goes right, but the landing view is far more visually rewarding and memorable for most passengers.
What can I see during takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Bombay?
During takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM), sit on the Right side for the best views. BOM typically departs runway 09L/27R or 09R/27L depending on wind. Eastbound departures (09L/09R) climb over the Arabian Sea initially, but right-side seats capture the Western Ghats mountain range rising inland as you climb out. Left seats see mostly water and the flat coastal plain. Notable sights include: Western Ghats (escarpment visible 20-30 miles inland), Mumbai's northern suburbs and Thane district sprawl, Vasai Creek estuary to the north, Arabian Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. HKG's main runways are 07L/25R and 07R/25L. Westbound arrivals descend on approach from the northwest, and left-side seats offer superior views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon Peninsula. Right seats see mostly the New Territories and airport infrastructure. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour (iconic deep-water anchorage), Hong Kong Island skyline with Central District towers, Kowloon Peninsula urban density, New Territories green hills to the north.
How long is the flight from Bombay to Hong Kong?
The flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 5 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,654 miles (4,272 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bombay to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then the Indian subcontinent's interior (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh regions—largely forested plateau), before entering the Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal crossing dominates the middle 2+ hours of flight. Notable features include the Deccan Plateau's dark green forests visible during the initial inland climb, the Bay of Bengal's open water with occasional shipping lanes, and the Myanmar coast (Irrawaddy Delta region) appearing as a low, hazy landmass 90 minutes before Hong Kong. The final approach descends over the South China Sea with scattered islands and the Lantau Island group visible before reaching Hong Kong.