While left offers Johannesburg's geography during departure, right dominates the flight with superior views during the longer, more visually rewarding descent into Hong Kong. Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong's skyline are far more dramatic than Johannesburg's suburban sprawl.
Flown HLA to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Hong Kong is 6,646 miles (10,696 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean with no major visible landmarks for approximately 7-8 hours. Approaching the Asian continent, passengers may glimpse the Andaman Sea coastline, Myanmar's Irrawaddy Delta region (if routed slightly west), or Thailand's coastline depending on exact routing. The final approach into Hong Kong crosses the South China Sea with scattered islands visible in the Pearl River Delta region before reaching Hong Kong waters.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HLA
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern suburbs during initial climb. The city sprawls northward from Lanseria, making the left bank the scenic choice for urban and topographic features.
Landing at HKG
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon Peninsula during descent into Hong Kong. The standard approach from the northwest brings these iconic urban and water features into clear view on the right bank.
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 Lanseria (HLA) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Hong Kong. While left offers Johannesburg's geography during departure, right dominates the flight with superior views during the longer, more visually rewarding descent into Hong Kong. Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong's skyline are far more dramatic than Johannesburg's suburban sprawl.
What can I see during takeoff from Lanseria in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern suburbs during initial climb. The city sprawls northward from Lanseria, making the left bank the scenic choice for urban and topographic features. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge (elevated plateau edge), Johannesburg northern suburbs, Cradle of Humankind escarpment to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon Peninsula during descent into Hong Kong. The standard approach from the northwest brings these iconic urban and water features into clear view on the right bank. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour (deep blue water body), Hong Kong Island skyline and Central District towers, Kowloon Peninsula urban sprawl, New Territories mountains to the north.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Hong Kong?
The flight from Lanseria (HLA) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,646 miles (10,696 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean with no major visible landmarks for approximately 7-8 hours. Approaching the Asian continent, passengers may glimpse the Andaman Sea coastline, Myanmar's Irrawaddy Delta region (if routed slightly west), or Thailand's coastline depending on exact routing. The final approach into Hong Kong crosses the South China Sea with scattered islands visible in the Pearl River Delta region before reaching Hong Kong waters.