About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Johannesburg International (JNB) to East London (ELS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to East London. While takeoff offers good Johannesburg views, the landing approach over the Drakensberg escarpment and coastal transition is more visually dramatic and geographically distinctive. The left side captures the most significant topographic feature of the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Johannesburg International in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from Johannesburg International (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern sprawl during the initial climb. The city's grid pattern and surrounding highveld plateau are distinctive from this angle. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge (gold mining region), Johannesburg city center and northern suburbs, Pretoria in the distance to the north, highveld plateau extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at East London in East London?
When landing at East London (ELS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Drakensberg Mountains' eastern escarpment and the coastal approach to East London. The dramatic elevation change from the interior plateau to the coast is visually striking. Notable sights include: Drakensberg Mountains eastern escarpment, Wild Coast region with river valleys, East London harbor and beachfront, Indian Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to East London?
The flight from Johannesburg International (JNB) to East London (ELS) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Johannesburg to East London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the highveld plateau southeastward, passing over the KwaZulu-Natal interior with scattered towns and agricultural areas. The Drakensberg Mountains become increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches the coast, with the escarpment's eastern face providing the most dramatic visual transition from interior plateau to coastal lowlands.