Shanghai to East London is 7,557 miles (12,162 km), a flight of about 11 hours 45 minutes.
Right-side seats win on the outbound leg with superior Pudong and Yangtze views. The landing at East London favors left, but the 11+ hour flight duration means the dramatic departure sequence carries more weight for passenger experience.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Indian subcontinent (Himalayas visible on clear days during the first 4 hours), then the Arabian Sea, the Horn of Africa region, and finally the East African coast before turning south over the Indian Ocean toward South Africa. The Mozambique Channel and Madagascar's eastern coast appear in the final 3 hours of flight. No major landmarks are visible during the long oceanic middle section unless flying at optimal altitude and weather conditions.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Huangpu River bend and Pudong's skyline during initial climb. PVG typically departs runways 08L/08R or 26L/26R; eastbound departures on 08L/08R provide the best river and urban geometry views as you bank right over the water.
Landing at ELS
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best approach views into East London. Aircraft typically land on runway 03 or 21 depending on wind; a runway 03 approach from the northwest gives left-side views of the Nahoon River estuary and the Indian Ocean coastline as you descend over the approach path.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to East London (ELS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to East London. Right-side seats win on the outbound leg with superior Pudong and Yangtze views. The landing at East London favors left, but the 11+ hour flight duration means the dramatic departure sequence carries more weight for passenger experience.
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 capture the Huangpu River bend and Pudong's skyline during initial climb. PVG typically departs runways 08L/08R or 26L/26R; eastbound departures on 08L/08R provide the best river and urban geometry views as you bank right over the water. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (sharp meander below), Pudong financial district towers, Yangtze River estuary mudflats to the north, East China Sea horizon.
What can I see when landing at East London in East London?
When landing at East London (ELS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach views into East London. Aircraft typically land on runway 03 or 21 depending on wind; a runway 03 approach from the northwest gives left-side views of the Nahoon River estuary and the Indian Ocean coastline as you descend over the approach path. Notable sights include: Nahoon River estuary (distinctive lagoon), Indian Ocean coastline with rocky outcrops, East London harbor and beachfront, Amathole Mountains inland to the west.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to East London?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to East London (ELS) takes about 11 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,557 miles (12,162 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to East London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian subcontinent (Himalayas visible on clear days during the first 4 hours), then the Arabian Sea, the Horn of Africa region, and finally the East African coast before turning south over the Indian Ocean toward South Africa. The Mozambique Channel and Madagascar's eastern coast appear in the final 3 hours of flight. No major landmarks are visible during the long oceanic middle section unless flying at optimal altitude and weather conditions.