While takeoff offers good delta scenery, the landing approach into Tbilisi with the Caucasus Mountains in full view is the flight's most dramatic visual payoff. Left-side seats capture this signature feature.
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Flight Path
Shanghai to Tbilisi is 4,194 miles (6,750 km), a flight of about 6 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Asia at cruise altitude (35,000+ feet). Notable features include the Caspian Sea (visible as a vast inland water body), the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran (snow-capped in winter/spring), and the Turkmen and Uzbek steppes. At cruise altitude, individual landmarks are small, but the Caspian's scale and the Alborz's north-south ridge are recognizable on clear days. The approach to the Caucasus begins around 1.5 hours before landing, with the range becoming increasingly prominent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs northwest from PVG's primary runways (08L/08R). The river delta's intricate waterway network and tidal mudflats are distinctive from 5,000–15,000 feet.
Landing at TBS
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Caucasus Mountains during descent into TBS. The range's snow-capped peaks become prominent on approach from the east, and the Mtkvari River valley leading into Tbilisi is visible from 10,000–5,000 feet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Tbilisi. While takeoff offers good delta scenery, the landing approach into Tbilisi with the Caucasus Mountains in full view is the flight's most dramatic visual payoff. Left-side seats capture this signature feature.
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 Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs northwest from PVG's primary runways (08L/08R). The river delta's intricate waterway network and tidal mudflats are distinctive from 5,000–15,000 feet. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai urban sprawl extending south, East China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Tbilisi International Airport in Tbilisi?
When landing at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Caucasus Mountains during descent into TBS. The range's snow-capped peaks become prominent on approach from the east, and the Mtkvari River valley leading into Tbilisi is visible from 10,000–5,000 feet. Notable sights include: Greater Caucasus Mountains (snow-capped peaks), Mtkvari River valley, Tbilisi urban area in foothills, Georgian plateau terrain.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Tbilisi?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) takes about 6 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,194 miles (6,750 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Tbilisi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Asia at cruise altitude (35,000+ feet). Notable features include the Caspian Sea (visible as a vast inland water body), the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran (snow-capped in winter/spring), and the Turkmen and Uzbek steppes. At cruise altitude, individual landmarks are small, but the Caspian's scale and the Alborz's north-south ridge are recognizable on clear days. The approach to the Caucasus begins around 1.5 hours before landing, with the range becoming increasingly prominent.