East London to Shanghai is 7,557 miles (12,162 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
While takeoff favors the right for Drakensberg views, the landing approach over Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze estuary is far more dramatic and visually rewarding. Left seats capture the entire approach sequence with mudflats, shipping channels, and the Shanghai skyline—a more compelling window experience overall.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean for roughly 6 hours, passing south of Madagascar and Mauritius (both typically below cruise altitude visibility). Over Southeast Asia, the route crosses the Andaman Sea, then Thailand's central plains, before entering the South China Sea. The Mekong Delta and Gulf of Thailand appear during descent into Chinese airspace. The final approach crosses the East China Sea and enters the Yangtze estuary from the southeast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ELS
RIGHTEast London typically departs runway 09 (westbound) or 27 (eastbound). For this Shanghai routing, eastbound departure on 27 is standard. Right-side seats face north across the Indian Ocean and toward the Drakensberg escarpment inland, while left seats see only open ocean.
Landing at PVG
LEFTShanghai Pudong uses runways 08L/26R and 08R/26L. Westbound arrivals typically use 08L or 08R, descending from the northwest. Left-side seats face south and southwest toward Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River estuary, capturing the vast tidal mudflats and water features that define the approach corridor.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from East London (ELS) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from East London to Shanghai. While takeoff favors the right for Drakensberg views, the landing approach over Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze estuary is far more dramatic and visually rewarding. Left seats capture the entire approach sequence with mudflats, shipping channels, and the Shanghai skyline—a more compelling window experience overall.
What can I see during takeoff from East London in East London?
During takeoff from East London (ELS), sit on the Right side for the best views. East London typically departs runway 09 (westbound) or 27 (eastbound). For this Shanghai routing, eastbound departure on 27 is standard. Right-side seats face north across the Indian Ocean and toward the Drakensberg escarpment inland, while left seats see only open ocean. Notable sights include: Drakensberg Mountains (inland to the north), Eastern Cape coastline, Indian Ocean, Algoa Bay.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Shanghai Pudong uses runways 08L/26R and 08R/26L. Westbound arrivals typically use 08L or 08R, descending from the northwest. Left-side seats face south and southwest toward Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River estuary, capturing the vast tidal mudflats and water features that define the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Yangtze River estuary, Qiantang River, Shanghai urban sprawl and Pudong skyline.
How long is the flight from East London to Shanghai?
The flight from East London (ELS) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,557 miles (12,162 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the East London to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean for roughly 6 hours, passing south of Madagascar and Mauritius (both typically below cruise altitude visibility). Over Southeast Asia, the route crosses the Andaman Sea, then Thailand's central plains, before entering the South China Sea. The Mekong Delta and Gulf of Thailand appear during descent into Chinese airspace. The final approach crosses the East China Sea and enters the Yangtze estuary from the southeast.