Loading map...
XMN → MNL
Which side of the plane to sit from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (Xiamen) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the preferred choice as it offers a unique look at the Kinmen Islands immediately after takeoff and follows the scenic mountainous coastline of Northern Luzon upon entering Philippine airspace.
Search flights from XMN to MNL
Kinmen Islands
Visible almost immediately after takeoff from XMN, these Taiwan-governed islands offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's unique geography.
Cordillera Mountains
As the plane enters Luzon, the left side provides views of the massive mountain ranges that form the spine of the northern Philippines.
Mount Pinatubo
On clear days during the descent, the crater of this famous volcano can be spotted as the aircraft tracks toward Manila Bay.
Metro Manila Urban Sprawl
A dense panoramic view of the capital's skyscrapers and residential areas as the plane aligns for the final approach.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. The Kinmen Islands appear very quickly after departure, so have your camera ready within the first 5-10 minutes of flight. If landing on Runway 06, the left side offers the best view of the Makati and Bonifacio Global City skylines.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for Philippines
Xiamen Haicang Port
View the massive logistics infrastructure and container terminals that make Xiamen one of the world's busiest ports.
South China Sea
The majority of the cruise phase features the deep blue waters of the Luzon Strait, often dotted with large cargo vessels.
Bataan Peninsula
During the descent into Manila, look for the rugged coastline of Bataan and the peaks of Mount Natib.
Corregidor Island
Located at the mouth of Manila Bay, this tadpole-shaped island is a significant historical landmark visible just before landing.
Choose the right side if you are flying in the late afternoon to capture the sunset over the South China Sea. During the final approach into MNL, look for the distinct shape of Corregidor Island and the Bataan coastline, which are historical sites from WWII.
Book Hotels in ManilaDistance: 1,156 km (718 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min
Departure: XMN (24.54400062561035, 118.12799835205078)
Arrival: MNL (14.5086, 121.019997)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.