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MNL → XMN
Which side of the plane to sit from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (Xiamen)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Manila Bay coastline upon departure and the unique sight of the Kinmen Islands—controlled by Taiwan but situated right next to Xiamen—during the final approach.
Manila Bay & Bataan
Immediately after takeoff, witness the expansive Manila Bay and the silhouette of the Bataan Peninsula.
Zambales Mountains
View the rugged peaks of the Zambales range, including the area surrounding Mount Pinatubo, as you fly north.
Dongsha Atoll
On clear days, the turquoise waters of the remote Pratas Island (Dongsha) can be seen in the South China Sea.
Kinmen Islands
A highlight of the descent; see the Taiwanese-governed Kinmen Islands just off the coast of mainland China.
Haicang Bridge
As the plane aligns with the Xiamen runway, view the impressive suspension bridge and busy port infrastructure.
For the best experience, choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Afternoon flights are ideal on this side as the sun will be behind or above the plane, providing excellent lighting for photos of Kinmen and the Xiamen coastline without direct glare.
Metro Manila Skyline
Catch a panoramic view of the dense skyscrapers of Makati and Bonifacio Global City during the initial climb.
Cordillera Central
Glimpse the massive mountain ranges of Northern Luzon, home to the Philippines' highest peaks.
Ilocos Coastline
Observe where the mountains meet the sea along the northwestern tip of Luzon before heading over open water.
Luzon Strait Traffic
Watch for large cargo ships and tankers navigating the busy international shipping lanes between the Philippines and Taiwan.
Xiamen Island
View the modern high-rises and urban development of Xiamen Island's eastern districts during the landing sequence.
The right side is excellent for catching the sunrise on early morning departures from Manila. Keep an eye out for the Babuyan Islands if the flight path tracks slightly further east. Note that during landing at XMN, the right side may face away from the city center depending on the active runway.
Distance: 1,156 km (718 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min
Departure: MNL (14.5086, 121.019997)
Arrival: XMN (24.54400062561035, 118.12799835205078)
Route Type: International
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