About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Manila. The right side wins overall because the Manila Bay arrival on the right is one of the most dramatic urban-over-water approaches in Southeast Asia, and during the cruise the right side also tracks closer to the Philippine Sea coastlines of Luzon as the flight descends. The left-side Fuji view at takeoff is excellent but brief; the right side delivers more sustained scenery across the descent and arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
During takeoff from New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. NRT typically departs southward on runway 16R/16L, meaning a left-side seat faces east toward the Pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture and Tokyo Bay. You get a clear view of the bay's geometry and the dense urban sprawl of greater Tokyo receding inland. On clear days Mount Fuji appears to the southwest as the aircraft climbs and banks. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Chiba coastline, greater Tokyo urban grid, Mount Fuji (distant, southwest).
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. NAIA approaches from the north or northeast on runway 06/24, and aircraft typically descend over Manila Bay on final approach to runway 06. A right-side seat gives you a direct view over Manila Bay's broad expanse and the Cavite shoreline, while the city of Manila and Makati's skyline are visible ahead and to the right. Left-side passengers mostly see the flat Laguna de Bay hinterland. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Makati/BGC skyline, Cavite peninsula, Corregidor Island (distant).
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Manila?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Tokyo to Manila flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest from Narita, crossing the Ryukyu Island chain (Okinawa and surrounding islands are visible as small green specks in the East China Sea), then passing west of the Philippine Sea before crossing northern Luzon. The Luzon Strait between Taiwan and Luzon is a notable geographic marker at roughly the midpoint. Over Luzon, the Cordillera Central mountain range runs along the spine of the island and is visible as rugged green terrain before the descent into the Manila lowlands.