About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Perth International (PER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Perth. Right side wins both the departure and arrival phases with the most visually rewarding views. During the long overwater cruise across the Timor Sea and Indian Ocean, neither side has a meaningful advantage, but the right side bookends the flight with Manila Bay and the Perth coastline — the two highlights of the journey.
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 before turning south. The right side gives you a clear view back over Manila Bay, the city skyline of Makati and BGC, and the receding Laguna de Bay to the southeast. Left side faces inland toward congested urban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, Makati/BGC skyline, Corregidor Island.
What can I see when landing at Perth International in Perth?
When landing at Perth International (PER), sit on the Right side for the best views. Perth Airport primarily uses runway 21 for southerly arrivals, meaning the approach tracks from the north-northeast over the Swan River estuary and the city. The right side faces west toward the Indian Ocean coastline, the CBD skyline along the Swan River, and the long white beaches of Scarborough and Cottesloe — the most visually striking elements of the Perth approach. Notable sights include: Perth CBD skyline along Swan River, Indian Ocean coastline, Rottnest Island, Cottesloe and Scarborough beaches.
How long is the flight from Manila to Perth?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Perth International (PER) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
What does the Manila to Perth flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south-southeast from Manila across the Sulu Sea, then over the island of Mindanao's southern tip, crossing the Celebes Sea and the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi and the Banda Sea region, before crossing the Timor Sea and entering Australian airspace over the remote Kimberley coast of Western Australia. The final leg crosses the vast flat scrubland of the Pilbara and Murchison regions before descending into Perth. Most of the route is open ocean or very remote terrain with minimal visible landmarks at cruise altitude.