Shanghai to Brussels flight path: PVG to BRU

Sit on the right side of the plane

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Flight time11h 20m
Distance5,608
Heading325° → 230°
Best side
RightMostly right

The takeoff scenery from Shanghai—the Yangtze estuary and Hangzhou Bay—is more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach into Brussels. The river delta's complex channel system and tidal mudflats offer greater visual interest than the relatively uniform agricultural plains of Belgium.

Flown PVG to BRU? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Shanghai to Brussels is 5,608 miles (9,025 km), a flight of about 11 hours 20 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Tian Shan mountains (visible on northbound routing through Central Asia), the Caspian Sea (southern routing), the Caucasus Mountains, and the steppes of southern Russia and Ukraine before entering European airspace. The Carpathian Mountains may be visible on final approach to Brussels depending on exact routing.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Shanghai (right side) — Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea coastline, Shanghai urban sprawl to the south

Takeoff from PVG

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs out westward from PVG. The river's extensive delta system and tidal mudflats are distinctive from altitude and visible during the initial climb phase.

Yangtze River estuaryHangzhou BayEast China Sea coastlineShanghai urban sprawl to the south
PVG Shanghai Pudong InternationalHub for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao Airlines
Aerial window seat view during landing at Brussels (left side) — Rhine River valley, Meuse River confluence area, Ardennes plateau to the southeast, Belgian agricultural plains

Landing at BRU

LEFT

Left-side seats provide views of the Rhine River valley and Belgian countryside during descent into Brussels. The river's distinctive meanders and the patchwork of agricultural fields are clearly visible from 10,000–15,000 feet on approach from the east.

Rhine River valleyMeuse River confluence areaArdennes plateau to the southeastBelgian agricultural plains
BRU Brussels NatlHub for Brussels Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Brussels Natl (BRU)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Brussels. The takeoff scenery from Shanghai—the Yangtze estuary and Hangzhou Bay—is more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach into Brussels. The river delta's complex channel system and tidal mudflats offer greater visual interest than the relatively uniform agricultural plains of Belgium.

What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs out westward from PVG. The river's extensive delta system and tidal mudflats are distinctive from altitude and visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea coastline, Shanghai urban sprawl to the south.

What can I see when landing at Brussels Natl in Brussels?

When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Rhine River valley and Belgian countryside during descent into Brussels. The river's distinctive meanders and the patchwork of agricultural fields are clearly visible from 10,000–15,000 feet on approach from the east. Notable sights include: Rhine River valley, Meuse River confluence area, Ardennes plateau to the southeast, Belgian agricultural plains.

How long is the flight from Shanghai to Brussels?

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes about 11 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,608 miles (9,025 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Shanghai to Brussels flight path pass over?

The flight path crosses the Tian Shan mountains (visible on northbound routing through Central Asia), the Caspian Sea (southern routing), the Caucasus Mountains, and the steppes of southern Russia and Ukraine before entering European airspace. The Carpathian Mountains may be visible on final approach to Brussels depending on exact routing.