Manila to Shanghai flight pathMNLPVG

Sit on the right side of the plane

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Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time2h 55m
Distance1,150
Heading002° → 003°

Manila to Shanghai is 1,150 miles (1,851 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.

Best side
Right
★ 2.5 left·★ 4.0 right

The right side offers the most consistent scenic value across the flight: Laguna de Bay and Sierra Madre foothills on departure, Taiwan's rugged Central Mountain Range and Pacific coastline during cruise, and Hangzhou Bay's islands on arrival, compared to the largely featureless views on the left.

Takeoff · MNLRIGHTLaguna de Bay, Sierra Madre foothills, Antipolo ridgeline
Landing · PVGRIGHTHangzhou Bay, Zhoushan Islands, Yangtze River Delta wetlands

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Bashi Channel, Taiwan's Central Mountain Range and east coast cliffs near Hualien, East China Sea, approach toward Hangzhou Bay

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Manila (right side) — Laguna de Bay, Sierra Madre foothills, Antipolo ridgeline, Metro Manila skyline (fading left)

Takeoff from MNL

RIGHT

Departing NAIA on runway 06 (the more commonly used direction outside the Habagat season), the climb-out track curves the aircraft northeast then north, putting Laguna de Bay and the forested Sierra Madre foothills on the right side, while the left shows only the flatter Metro Manila sprawl receding behind.

Laguna de BaySierra Madre foothillsAntipolo ridgelineMetro Manila skyline
Aerial window seat view during landing at Shanghai (right side) — Hangzhou Bay, Zhoushan Islands, Yangtze River Delta wetlands, Shanghai's outer coastline

Landing at PVG

RIGHT

Arriving into PVG from the south, aircraft typically land on the northern-heading runways (34L/34R), descending over Hangzhou Bay. This puts the Zhoushan Archipelago and the bay's muddy tidal coastline on the right side of the aircraft, while the left shows only flat, featureless Shanghai suburbs.

Hangzhou BayZhoushan IslandsYangtze River Delta wetlandsShanghai's outer coastline

Will your flight be in sunlight?

Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.

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 Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Shanghai. The right side offers the most consistent scenic value across the flight: Laguna de Bay and Sierra Madre foothills on departure, Taiwan's rugged Central Mountain Range and Pacific coastline during cruise, and Hangzhou Bay's islands on arrival, compared to the largely featureless views on the left.

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. Departing NAIA on runway 06 (the more commonly used direction outside the Habagat season), the climb-out track curves the aircraft northeast then north, putting Laguna de Bay and the forested Sierra Madre foothills on the right side, while the left shows only the flatter Metro Manila sprawl receding behind. Notable sights include: Laguna de Bay, Sierra Madre foothills, Antipolo ridgeline, Metro Manila skyline (fading left).

What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?

When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into PVG from the south, aircraft typically land on the northern-heading runways (34L/34R), descending over Hangzhou Bay. This puts the Zhoushan Archipelago and the bay's muddy tidal coastline on the right side of the aircraft, while the left shows only flat, featureless Shanghai suburbs. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Zhoushan Islands, Yangtze River Delta wetlands, Shanghai's outer coastline.

How long is the flight from Manila to Shanghai?

The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,150 miles (1,851 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Manila to Shanghai flight path pass over?

Bashi Channel, Taiwan's Central Mountain Range and east coast cliffs near Hualien, East China Sea, approach toward Hangzhou Bay