ELS

Best window seat at East London

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Indian Ocean coastline, Buffalo River mouth, Nahoon Beach and river estuary

LandingRIGHT

Indian Ocean coastline, Buffalo River mouth, Nahoon Beach area

🛫 Taking Off from East London (ELS)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting on runway 29 you climb out heading roughly northwest, which puts the East London coastline and Indian Ocean off to the left side of the aircraft. You'll get a good look at the Buffalo River mouth and the beaches before the aircraft continues inland.
Look forIndian Ocean coastline, Buffalo River mouth, Nahoon Beach and river estuary, East London city and harbor

🛬 Landing at East London (ELS)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 11 brings you in from the northwest on a southeast heading, and the Indian Ocean coastline lies to the south of the airport. Sitting on the right side gives you a good view of the coast, beaches, and the Buffalo River mouth area as you descend toward East London.
Look forIndian Ocean coastline, Buffalo River mouth, Nahoon Beach area, East London's coastal suburbs

East London Airport is a small regional airport with a single terminal, handling domestic flights and limited connections. It primarily serves as a gateway for business travel tied to the local automotive industry and leisure travelers visiting the Eastern Cape coast.

⛰️ Elevation436 ft
🛫 Runways2 (11/29, 06/24)

Connecting at ELS?

Find out if your layover is long enough at East London.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at East London (ELS)?

At East London in East London: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Indian Ocean coastline, Buffalo River mouth, Nahoon Beach and river estuary, East London city and harbor.

What can I see during takeoff from East London in East London?

When taking off from East London (ELS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing on runway 29 you climb out heading roughly northwest, which puts the East London coastline and Indian Ocean off to the left side of the aircraft. You'll get a good look at the Buffalo River mouth and the beaches before the aircraft continues inland. Notable sights include: Indian Ocean coastline, Buffalo River mouth, Nahoon Beach and river estuary, East London city and harbor.

What can I see when landing at East London in East London?

When landing at East London (ELS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 11 brings you in from the northwest on a southeast heading, and the Indian Ocean coastline lies to the south of the airport. Sitting on the right side gives you a good view of the coast, beaches, and the Buffalo River mouth area as you descend toward East London. Notable sights include: Indian Ocean coastline, Buffalo River mouth, Nahoon Beach area, East London's coastal suburbs.

What factors affect the best window seat at East London?

The best window seat at East London (ELS) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around East London (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.