This route hugs South Africa's southeastern coastline for most of its length, so the right side offers continuous ocean and shoreline views from Algoa Bay through the Wild Coast to Durban's harbor and beachfront, while the left side mostly shows flat inland scrubland and rolling hills with no major landmarks.
Flown PLZ to DUR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Port Elizabeth to Durban is 442 miles (712 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Wild Coast shoreline, Kei River mouth, scattered coastal estuaries of the former Transkei region, open Indian Ocean waters
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PLZ
RIGHTDeparting PLZ toward the northeast, the climb-out passes over Algoa Bay and Port Elizabeth's beachfront, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the curving coastline and harbor before the aircraft settles onto its coastal route.
Landing at DUR
RIGHTThe approach into Durban's King Shaka Airport typically tracks in from the south along the coast, so right-side passengers get sweeping views of the Indian Ocean shoreline, Durban's harbor, and the beachfront skyline as the aircraft descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Elizabeth (PLZ) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Port Elizabeth to Durban. This route hugs South Africa's southeastern coastline for most of its length, so the right side offers continuous ocean and shoreline views from Algoa Bay through the Wild Coast to Durban's harbor and beachfront, while the left side mostly shows flat inland scrubland and rolling hills with no major landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Elizabeth in Port Elizabeth?
During takeoff from Port Elizabeth (PLZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PLZ toward the northeast, the climb-out passes over Algoa Bay and Port Elizabeth's beachfront, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the curving coastline and harbor before the aircraft settles onto its coastal route. Notable sights include: Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth harbor and beachfront, Nelson Mandela Bay coastline.
What can I see when landing at King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
When landing at King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. The approach into Durban's King Shaka Airport typically tracks in from the south along the coast, so right-side passengers get sweeping views of the Indian Ocean shoreline, Durban's harbor, and the beachfront skyline as the aircraft descends. Notable sights include: Durban harbor and beachfront skyline, uMhlanga coastline, Indian Ocean surf line, Bluff headland.
How long is the flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban?
The flight from Port Elizabeth (PLZ) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 442 miles (712 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Port Elizabeth to Durban flight path pass over?
Wild Coast shoreline, Kei River mouth, scattered coastal estuaries of the former Transkei region, open Indian Ocean waters