Manila to Sydney is 3,892 miles (6,263 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Manila Bay departure with Corregidor and Bataan in view, and a dramatic Sydney Harbour approach with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge on final descent. The right side offers comparatively plain views of city sprawl and inland suburbs at both ends.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Celebes Sea and the scattered volcanic islands of eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi and Halmahera), then continues over the Coral Sea and the northern fringes of the Great Barrier Reef before making landfall near the Queensland coast on the way south to Sydney.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
LEFTDeparting NAIA to the southwest over Manila Bay puts the bay's wide waters, Corregidor Island, and the Bataan Peninsula's hills on the left side as the aircraft climbs and banks south toward the Visayas. The right side mostly shows the receding Metro Manila skyline before leveling into a featureless climb.
Landing at SYD
LEFTOn the typical northern approach into Sydney (South Plan, runway 16R), the flight track follows the coast southward, putting Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge directly on the left side just before touchdown. The right side instead faces inland over less distinctive suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Sydney. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Manila Bay departure with Corregidor and Bataan in view, and a dramatic Sydney Harbour approach with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge on final descent. The right side offers comparatively plain views of city sprawl and inland suburbs at both ends.
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. Departing NAIA to the southwest over Manila Bay puts the bay's wide waters, Corregidor Island, and the Bataan Peninsula's hills on the left side as the aircraft climbs and banks south toward the Visayas. The right side mostly shows the receding Metro Manila skyline before leveling into a featureless climb. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula, Cavite coastline.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical northern approach into Sydney (South Plan, runway 16R), the flight track follows the coast southward, putting Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge directly on the left side just before touchdown. The right side instead faces inland over less distinctive suburbs. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Manly and the Northern Beaches, Botany Bay.
How long is the flight from Manila to Sydney?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,892 miles (6,263 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Sydney flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Celebes Sea and the scattered volcanic islands of eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi and Halmahera), then continues over the Coral Sea and the northern fringes of the Great Barrier Reef before making landfall near the Queensland coast on the way south to Sydney.