The right side delivers the better takeoff experience with Melbourne's CBD and Port Phillip Bay, and during the cruise the right side faces east over the Coral Sea and the Philippine archipelago on descent. The left side landing view over Manila Bay is good but the overall right-side experience across the full flight edges it out.
Flown MEB to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Manila is 3,928 miles (6,321 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks north over central Australia's arid interior, crosses the Timor Sea, passes over or near the island of Timor, then traverses the Banda Sea and Celebes Sea. The Indonesian archipelago including Sulawesi and the Moluccas may be visible below depending on exact routing. The final approach crosses the Sulu Sea and the southern Philippine islands before descending toward Luzon and Manila Bay.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
RIGHTEssendon typically departs on runway 26 heading west, then aircraft turn north. The right side gives you views over inner Melbourne's CBD skyline, the Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay as you climb out and bank northward. The left side faces suburban sprawl with little of interest.
Landing at MNL
LEFTAircraft approaching Manila from the south typically use runway 06 or 24 at NAIA, with approaches over Manila Bay from the west. The left side on approach from the south gives clear views over Manila Bay, the Pasig River delta, and the dense urban fabric of Metro Manila including Makati and BGC. The right side faces inland toward Laguna de Bay.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Manila. The right side delivers the better takeoff experience with Melbourne's CBD and Port Phillip Bay, and during the cruise the right side faces east over the Coral Sea and the Philippine archipelago on descent. The left side landing view over Manila Bay is good but the overall right-side experience across the full flight edges it out.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Essendon typically departs on runway 26 heading west, then aircraft turn north. The right side gives you views over inner Melbourne's CBD skyline, the Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay as you climb out and bank northward. The left side faces suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River corridor, Dandenong Ranges to the east.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Aircraft approaching Manila from the south typically use runway 06 or 24 at NAIA, with approaches over Manila Bay from the west. The left side on approach from the south gives clear views over Manila Bay, the Pasig River delta, and the dense urban fabric of Metro Manila including Makati and BGC. The right side faces inland toward Laguna de Bay. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, Makati and BGC skylines, Pasig River.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Manila?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,928 miles (6,321 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Manila flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north over central Australia's arid interior, crosses the Timor Sea, passes over or near the island of Timor, then traverses the Banda Sea and Celebes Sea. The Indonesian archipelago including Sulawesi and the Moluccas may be visible below depending on exact routing. The final approach crosses the Sulu Sea and the southern Philippine islands before descending toward Luzon and Manila Bay.