Both sides share roughly ten hours of empty Indian Ocean at cruise, so the flight comes down to the bookends: Singapore's skyline on takeoff is good but Cape Town's Table Mountain approach on the left is one of the most dramatic landings in the world, tipping the balance.
Flight Path
The route crosses the vast open Indian Ocean well south of Sri Lanka, passing north of the Mauritius-Rodrigues island chain with no land visible for most of the crossing before reaching the southern African coastline near the Western Cape.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SIN
RIGHTDeparting Changi and turning onto the southwesterly track toward the Indian Ocean, the right side faces west across the Singapore Strait, giving a clear view of the Marina Bay skyline, the port, and Sentosa before the coastline of Sumatra appears ahead in the distance.
Landing at CPT
LEFTOn the descent into Cape Town from the east, the final turn toward the runway puts the flat-topped silhouette of Table Mountain, the city bowl, and the Atlantic coastline on the left side of the aircraft, one of the most recognizable approach views in commercial aviation.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Singapore to Cape Town. Both sides share roughly ten hours of empty Indian Ocean at cruise, so the flight comes down to the bookends: Singapore's skyline on takeoff is good but Cape Town's Table Mountain approach on the left is one of the most dramatic landings in the world, tipping the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Singapore Changi in Singapore?
During takeoff from Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Changi and turning onto the southwesterly track toward the Indian Ocean, the right side faces west across the Singapore Strait, giving a clear view of the Marina Bay skyline, the port, and Sentosa before the coastline of Sumatra appears ahead in the distance. Notable sights include: Marina Bay skyline and CBD towers, Sentosa Island, the Riau Archipelago (Batam/Bintan), Sumatra's coastline in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Cape Town International in Cape Town?
When landing at Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into Cape Town from the east, the final turn toward the runway puts the flat-topped silhouette of Table Mountain, the city bowl, and the Atlantic coastline on the left side of the aircraft, one of the most recognizable approach views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, the City Bowl and Cape Town harbor, Table Bay with Robben Island, the Atlantic seaboard.
How long is the flight from Singapore to Cape Town?
The flight from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes 11h 20m.
What does the Singapore to Cape Town flight path pass over?
The route crosses the vast open Indian Ocean well south of Sri Lanka, passing north of the Mauritius-Rodrigues island chain with no land visible for most of the crossing before reaching the southern African coastline near the Western Cape.