The right side wins overall because the Laguna de Bay departure view is one of the most geographically dramatic exits from any major Asian city, and during the long overwater cruise the right side also picks up better views of the Indian subcontinent's coastline and the Arabian Peninsula during daylight hours depending on routing. The Rome landing view on the left is excellent but brief.
Flown MNL to CIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manila to Rome is 6,461 miles (10,397 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
South China Sea crossing northwestward, overfly of Vietnam or southern China coast, Bay of Bengal, Indian subcontinent (crossing over India or Sri Lanka depending on routing), Arabian Sea, Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia or Oman), Red Sea or Persian Gulf, Egypt and the Nile Delta, Mediterranean Sea crossing over Crete or Sicily, Tyrrhenian Sea approach to Italy
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
RIGHTNAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left, but the right side captures Metro Manila's dense urban sprawl, the Pasig River threading through the city, and the distinctive outline of Laguna de Bay — the largest lake in the Philippines — as the aircraft climbs southeast before turning. Runway 24 departures heading southwest give the right side a clear view of Manila Bay and the Cavite peninsula.
Landing at CIA
LEFTCiampino's runway 15 approach brings aircraft in from the northwest over the Alban Hills, and the left side gets a clear view of central Rome — the Tiber River, the dome of St. Peter's Basilica visible at altitude, and the compact historic center — before the aircraft descends over the southeastern suburbs. The left side also captures the volcanic crater lakes of the Castelli Romani area during the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Ciampino (CIA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Rome. The right side wins overall because the Laguna de Bay departure view is one of the most geographically dramatic exits from any major Asian city, and during the long overwater cruise the right side also picks up better views of the Indian subcontinent's coastline and the Arabian Peninsula during daylight hours depending on routing. The Rome landing view on the left is excellent but brief.
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 captures Metro Manila's dense urban sprawl, the Pasig River threading through the city, and the distinctive outline of Laguna de Bay — the largest lake in the Philippines — as the aircraft climbs southeast before turning. Runway 24 departures heading southwest give the right side a clear view of Manila Bay and the Cavite peninsula. Notable sights include: Laguna de Bay (massive freshwater lake southeast of Manila), Manila Bay and its curved coastline, Pasig River delta, Metro Manila urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Ciampino in Rome?
When landing at Ciampino (CIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ciampino's runway 15 approach brings aircraft in from the northwest over the Alban Hills, and the left side gets a clear view of central Rome — the Tiber River, the dome of St. Peter's Basilica visible at altitude, and the compact historic center — before the aircraft descends over the southeastern suburbs. The left side also captures the volcanic crater lakes of the Castelli Romani area during the approach. Notable sights include: Rome historic center and Tiber River bend, Alban Hills (Colli Albani volcanic complex), Lago di Albano and Lago di Nemi (crater lakes), Castelli Romani hill towns.
How long is the flight from Manila to Rome?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Ciampino (CIA) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,461 miles (10,397 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Rome flight path pass over?
South China Sea crossing northwestward, overfly of Vietnam or southern China coast, Bay of Bengal, Indian subcontinent (crossing over India or Sri Lanka depending on routing), Arabian Sea, Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia or Oman), Red Sea or Persian Gulf, Egypt and the Nile Delta, Mediterranean Sea crossing over Crete or Sicily, Tyrrhenian Sea approach to Italy