About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Sydney. The right side delivers the more dramatic takeoff scenery with Laguna de Bay and the Sierra Madre, and during the cruise the right side also faces east toward the Coral Sea and the Queensland coast as you approach Australia. The left side wins at landing but the takeoff and cruise views on the right are the stronger overall package.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. NAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left, but the right side gives you the city of Manila, Laguna de Bay (the largest lake in the Philippines at roughly 900 sq km), and the Sierra Madre mountain range as you climb out and bank south. These are far more visually interesting than open water. Notable sights include: Laguna de Bay, Sierra Madre mountain range, Metro Manila urban grid, Mount Banahaw volcanic cone on the distant horizon.
What can I see when landing at Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
When landing at Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Bankstown Airport typically uses runway 29L/29R for westerly arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the east over suburban Sydney. The left side gives you the Georges River, Botany Bay, and the southern Sydney suburbs laid out clearly, with Port Botany's container terminal visible as a distinctive industrial feature near the coast. Notable sights include: Botany Bay, Georges River, Port Botany container terminal, southern Sydney suburban grid.
How long is the flight from Manila to Sydney?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours depending on routing and winds.
What does the Manila to Sydney flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Sulu Sea south of Palawan, then passes over or near the Celebes Sea, the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, the Banda Sea, and the Timor Sea before crossing the Australian coastline near the Northern Territory or Queensland. The Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef region may be visible on the right side during descent into eastern Australia. Much of the mid-flight is open ocean with occasional Indonesian island chains visible below.