Both sides face several hours of open Coral and Tasman Sea with little to see, but the right side's payoff comes at the very end with a genuine harbor-and-skyline view of Sydney during the approach turn, giving it a slight edge over the left side's island-only departure view.
Flown VLI to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Port Vila to Sydney is 1,543 miles (2,484 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
Open Coral Sea giving way to the Tasman Sea, with New Caledonia's mountainous main island passing faintly visible off the left side roughly an hour after departure before the route continues over featureless ocean toward the Australian coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from VLI
LEFTDeparting Bauerfield on runway 29, the aircraft climbs out over Efate island then banks left onto a southbound course toward Australia. That left turn puts Efate's volcanic ridgeline, Mele Bay, and the fringing reefs directly below the left side windows before the island falls away into open ocean.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTSydney arrivals from the northeast are typically sequenced south past the city before turning back for a northerly landing on 34L, which swings the aircraft east of the CBD. On that turn, the right side gets a clear view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the high-rises of the CBD before the final turn onto the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Vila Bauerfield (VLI) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Port Vila to Sydney. Both sides face several hours of open Coral and Tasman Sea with little to see, but the right side's payoff comes at the very end with a genuine harbor-and-skyline view of Sydney during the approach turn, giving it a slight edge over the left side's island-only departure view.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Vila Bauerfield in Port Vila?
During takeoff from Port Vila Bauerfield (VLI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Bauerfield on runway 29, the aircraft climbs out over Efate island then banks left onto a southbound course toward Australia. That left turn puts Efate's volcanic ridgeline, Mele Bay, and the fringing reefs directly below the left side windows before the island falls away into open ocean. Notable sights include: Efate island coastline, Mele Bay, fringing coral reefs, Iririki Island.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Sydney arrivals from the northeast are typically sequenced south past the city before turning back for a northerly landing on 34L, which swings the aircraft east of the CBD. On that turn, the right side gets a clear view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the high-rises of the CBD before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay.
How long is the flight from Port Vila to Sydney?
The flight from Port Vila Bauerfield (VLI) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,543 miles (2,484 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Port Vila to Sydney flight path pass over?
Open Coral Sea giving way to the Tasman Sea, with New Caledonia's mountainous main island passing faintly visible off the left side roughly an hour after departure before the route continues over featureless ocean toward the Australian coast.