About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Shanghai. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the South China Sea and East China Sea, the left side also faces the Chinese coastline as the route tracks northeast, offering occasional glimpses of Taiwan's mountainous terrain and the Fujian coast in the distance. Right side is mostly open ocean for the majority 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 Left side for the best views. NAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left side. You get a sweeping view of the bay, the Manila city skyline, and Laguna de Bay as the aircraft climbs and turns north. The right side faces inland toward suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Manila Bay and its coastline, Laguna de Bay (one of Southeast Asia's largest lakes), Manila city skyline and Roxas Boulevard waterfront, Bataan Peninsula across the bay.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. PVG's primary landing approach on runway 34L brings aircraft in from the south over the Yangtze River estuary. The left side gives you the best view of the Yangtze mouth, Chongming Island, and the Pudong skyline as you descend. The right side looks mostly over flat agricultural land and the East China Sea. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary and its wide muddy mouth, Chongming Island (large alluvial island in the Yangtze delta), Pudong financial district skyline visible to the southwest on approach, flat Yangtze delta farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Manila to Shanghai?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Manila to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast across the South China Sea, passing east of the Luzon Strait between the Philippines and Taiwan. Taiwan's Central Mountain Range (peaks exceeding 12,000 ft) may be visible on the left in clear conditions as a distant spine of mountains. The route then crosses the East China Sea, a shallow continental shelf sea, before descending over the Yangtze delta. The Bashi Channel between Luzon and Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands chain to the northeast are also along or near the flight path.