MNL

Best window seat at Ninoy Aquino International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Manila Bay, Manila city skyline, Corregidor Island

LandingLEFT

Manila Bay, Manila skyline (Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard

🛫 Taking Off from Manila (MNL)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on runway 24 the aircraft climbs out on a southwesterly heading, and the right side looks out over Manila Bay with the city skyline receding behind you. As the climb continues you get a clean view down the bay toward Corregidor Island and the Bataan Peninsula on the horizon, which stays in view longer than anything on the left.
Look forManila Bay, Manila city skyline, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula
Left window seat view during takeoff from Manila (MNL) — Manila Bay, Manila city skyline, Corregidor Island, Bataan PeninsulaLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Manila (MNL) — Manila Bay, Manila city skyline, Corregidor Island, Bataan PeninsulaRight Side

🛬 Landing at Manila (MNL)

Best sideLeft
WhyOn the most common runway 06 approach, you fly in from the southwest on a northeast heading, which puts Manila Bay and the Manila skyline on the left side of the aircraft. You'll get a nice view of the bay, Roxas Boulevard, and the Intramuros/Rizal Park area as you descend, versus the right side which mostly shows Laguna de Bay and inland suburbs.
Look forManila Bay, Manila skyline (Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard, Rizal Park), Corregidor Island (distant, hazy), Cavite coastline
Left window seat view during landing at Manila (MNL) — Manila Bay, Manila skyline (Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard, Rizal Park), Corregidor Island (distant, hazy), Cavite coastlineLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Manila (MNL) — Manila Bay, Manila skyline (Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard, Rizal Park), Corregidor Island (distant, hazy), Cavite coastlineRight Side
ManilaPhoto: Kim Gamara

NAIA is the Philippines' busiest airport, spread across four separate terminals that aren't connected by a shared secure area, so travelers with connecting flights sometimes need to change terminals via a shuttle or taxi. It's notoriously congested, with frequent ground and airspace delays.

⛰️ Elevation75 ft
🛫 Runways2 (06/24, 13/31)
✈️ HubPhilippine Airlines, PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines
📍 NearbySFS 54 miCRK 56 mi

Connecting at MNL?

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?

At Ninoy Aquino International in Manila: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Manila Bay, Manila city skyline, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula.

What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?

When taking off from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 24 the aircraft climbs out on a southwesterly heading, and the right side looks out over Manila Bay with the city skyline receding behind you. As the climb continues you get a clean view down the bay toward Corregidor Island and the Bataan Peninsula on the horizon, which stays in view longer than anything on the left. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Manila city skyline, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula.

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. On the most common runway 06 approach, you fly in from the southwest on a northeast heading, which puts Manila Bay and the Manila skyline on the left side of the aircraft. You'll get a nice view of the bay, Roxas Boulevard, and the Intramuros/Rizal Park area as you descend, versus the right side which mostly shows Laguna de Bay and inland suburbs. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Manila skyline (Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard, Rizal Park), Corregidor Island (distant, hazy), Cavite coastline.

What factors affect the best window seat at Ninoy Aquino International?

The best window seat at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Manila (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.