While Hong Kong's mountainous takeoff is scenic, the right side wins overall because it captures both the Australian coastline (beaches, coastal towns) during descent and the iconic Sydney Harbour approach, giving it more sustained and dramatic scenery across the flight.
Flight Path
Philippine archipelago, Coral Sea, and the northern Australian coastline near Queensland before the descent into New South Wales
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
LEFTDeparting HKG on the southwest-facing runway (common in summer monsoon conditions), the climb-out passes directly over Lantau Island's steep peaks before the aircraft banks south, giving left-side passengers a last look at Hong Kong Island's skyline and Victoria Harbour receding behind the outlying islands.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTOn the typical southbound approach into Sydney, the aircraft tracks down the coast before turning onto final for the north-south runways, putting Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge directly off the right side just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Sydney. While Hong Kong's mountainous takeoff is scenic, the right side wins overall because it captures both the Australian coastline (beaches, coastal towns) during descent and the iconic Sydney Harbour approach, giving it more sustained and dramatic scenery across the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HKG on the southwest-facing runway (common in summer monsoon conditions), the climb-out passes directly over Lantau Island's steep peaks before the aircraft banks south, giving left-side passengers a last look at Hong Kong Island's skyline and Victoria Harbour receding behind the outlying islands. Notable sights include: Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak, Hong Kong Island skyline, Victoria Harbour, outlying islands (Cheung Chau, Lamma Island).
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical southbound approach into Sydney, the aircraft tracks down the coast before turning onto final for the north-south runways, putting Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge directly off the right side just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Sydney?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes 9h 15m.
What does the Hong Kong to Sydney flight path pass over?
Philippine archipelago, Coral Sea, and the northern Australian coastline near Queensland before the descent into New South Wales