Loading map...
HKG → CNS
Which side of the plane to sit from Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong) to Cairns International Airport (Cairns)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of the flight, specifically the approach over the Great Barrier Reef and the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea before landing in Cairns.
Search flights from HKG to CNS
Hong Kong Skyline
A stunning view of Victoria Harbour and the high-rise density of Hong Kong Island immediately after takeoff.
Mindanao Highlands
Observation of the lush, mountainous interior of the southern Philippines during the mid-flight segment.
Maluku Archipelago
Clear views of the diverse Indonesian volcanic islands scattered across the Celebes and Banda Seas.
Great Barrier Reef
The premier highlight featuring intricate coral formations and vibrant blue lagoons as the plane descends.
Trinity Inlet
Panoramic views of the winding mangroves and the Cairns marina during the final landing phase.
Most flights from HKG to CNS are overnight; ensure you are awake 90 minutes before landing to catch the sunrise over the Pacific. Seat yourself forward of the wing to have an unobstructed view of the reef's color gradients. The descent usually follows a path that favors the left for the best reef vistas.
Get eSIMs for Hong Kong
Get eSIMs for Australia
South China Sea Shipping
View the massive scale of global trade with dozens of container ships anchored outside Hong Kong.
Cape York Peninsula
The first sight of Australia, featuring the rugged and remote wilderness of the northernmost tip of the continent.
Gulf of Carpentaria
Deep orange and red earth tones where the Australian outback meets the sea on the far western horizon.
Kuranda Rainforest
Aerial views of the ancient tropical rainforest canopy and the Great Dividing Range upon approach.
The right side is excellent for observing the vastness of the Australian wilderness. If the flight arrives during the early morning, the right side will be away from the direct glare of the rising sun, making it easier to take photos of the coastline and the dense rainforest mountains surrounding Cairns.
Book Hotels in CairnsDistance: 5,568 km (3,460 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 33 min
Departure: HKG (22.308901, 113.915001)
Arrival: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.