About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Sapporo. The right side delivers the spectacular Laguna de Bay and Sierra Madre on departure, then during cruise tracks along the eastern coast of Luzon and over the Ryukyu Islands chain, offering intermittent views of island chains and the East China Sea. On descent into Hokkaido the left side briefly wins, but the right side's departure show is the highlight of the flight.
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 the dense urban sprawl of Metro Manila, Laguna de Bay — one of Southeast Asia's largest lakes — and the Sierra Madre mountain range rising to the east. These are far more visually distinctive than open water. Notable sights include: Laguna de Bay, Sierra Madre mountain range, Metro Manila urban grid, Pasig River delta.
What can I see when landing at Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
When landing at Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Left side for the best views. New Chitose typically lands on runway 01R/19L oriented north-south. Arriving from the south on runway 01R, the left side faces west toward the Ishikari Plain and the city of Sapporo, with Mount Tarumae and Lake Shikotsu clearly visible as the aircraft descends over southern Hokkaido. These are among Hokkaido's most dramatic volcanic features. Notable sights include: Mount Tarumae (active stratovolcano), Lake Shikotsu (caldera lake), Ishikari Plain, Sapporo city grid.
How long is the flight from Manila to Sapporo?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
What does the Manila to Sapporo flight path pass over?
After departing Luzon, the route crosses the Luzon Strait and tracks northeast over the Philippine Sea. The Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa chain) pass below roughly mid-flight, visible as a scattered string of small islands in clear conditions. The route then crosses the East China Sea and approaches Kyushu before tracking northeast over the Japanese home islands toward Hokkaido, with the Tsugaru Strait between Honshu and Hokkaido visible near the end of cruise.