About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lu Kou Airport (NKG) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nanjing to Sydney. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff from Nanjing offers more sustained and dramatic scenery with the Yangtze River system. The right side during departure provides a longer window of visually distinctive geography, making it the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Lu Kou Airport in Nanjing?
During takeoff from Lu Kou Airport (NKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River and its extensive delta system as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Nanjing. The river's braided channels and surrounding agricultural plains are distinctive and clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Yangtze River delta system, Nanjing urban sprawl to the left, agricultural plains extending south, low hills of the Ningzhen Mountains on the distant horizon.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains in the distance, and the coastal approach. As the aircraft descends from the west, the left side captures the iconic geography of Sydney's setting—the harbour's distinctive shape and the escarpment of the Great Dividing Range. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour with its headlands and beaches, Blue Mountains escarpment to the west, Parramatta River and inland waterways, coastal suburbs and beaches (Bondi, Coogee area).
How long is the flight from Nanjing to Sydney?
The flight from Lu Kou Airport (NKG) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes 9h 15m.
What does the Nanjing to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the South China Sea, passing south of Hainan Island and over the Sunda Strait region. Passengers may glimpse the Malay Peninsula's coastline and the northern coast of Sumatra during the southern portion of the journey. The route then continues over the Indian Ocean with no significant landmarks until approaching the Australian continent near Perth, followed by the interior deserts and eventually the approach to Sydney from the west.