About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Lanseria (HLA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Johannesburg. While takeoff from Hong Kong favors the right, the landing approach into Johannesburg from the east strongly favors the left side, offering better views of the city and surrounding highveld plateau. Since most of the flight crosses the Indian Ocean and Middle East with limited distinctive landmarks, the landing experience provides the most rewarding scenic value.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Peninsula during the initial climb-out. Hong Kong International departs runways oriented northwest, so right-side passengers see the harbor's eastern waters and the urban sprawl of Hong Kong Island receding below. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island skyline, New Territories.
What can I see when landing at Lanseria in Johannesburg?
When landing at Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Witwatersrand plateau and Johannesburg's urban sprawl during descent into Lanseria. The approach from the east brings the city's northern suburbs and the distinctive highveld landscape into clear view on the left side. Notable sights include: Johannesburg city center, Witwatersrand ridge, Lanseria airfield surroundings, Magaliesburg Mountains.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Johannesburg?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Lanseria (HLA) takes Approximately 14-15 hours.
What does the Hong Kong to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, passes over the Arabian Peninsula (Oman and Saudi Arabia visible as desert terrain), continues over the Red Sea, then traverses the Horn of Africa region (Sudan and Ethiopia) before crossing into East Africa. Notable midpoint features include the Red Sea's narrow blue corridor between desert plateaus, the Ethiopian highlands as a mountainous brown terrain, and the transition into the African savanna as the aircraft approaches southern Africa. The Indian Ocean crossing offers minimal landmarks—primarily open water with occasional cloud formations.