London to Hong Kong flight path: LCY to HKG

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Hong Kong. While the London departure is scenic on the right, the Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour approach on the left is a genuinely world-class, high-density urban-mountain landing view that outweighs the Thames departure and the comparatively muted continental cruise scenery.

During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Runway 27 departures from LCY climb out directly over the Thames, and looking north (right side) gives a clear view of the Canary Wharf skyscraper cluster on the Isle of Dogs, with the City of London skyline visible further back. The left side over Greenwich is pleasant but less visually dense. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, Isle of Dogs, City of London skyline (The Shard in the distance).

When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On a summer-pattern approach to runway 25, the flight path crosses over Kowloon before landing, putting Hong Kong Island's skyline and Victoria Harbour on the left side of the aircraft. This is one of the most dramatic urban approaches in the world, with skyscrapers packed against steep green hills. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline (Central district), Victoria Peak, dense Kowloon high-rises.

The flight from City (LCY) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 11 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,964 miles (9,598 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

The route crosses continental Europe and Russia, passing near the Ural Mountains that divide Europe from Asia, then traverses the vast steppe and Gobi Desert of Mongolia before descending over the plains of central China and the Pearl River Delta into Hong Kong.