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GKK destination photo
MLE destination photo

GKKMLE

Which side of the plane to sit from Kooddoo Airport (Kooddoo) to Malé International Airport (Male)?

Our Recommendation
8.9

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the continuous chain of atolls and coral formations as you travel north, including a fantastic aerial perspective of the capital city during the approach.

Right Side Highlights
8.9
🏝️

Laamu Atoll Islands

A beautiful sequence of green islands connected by reefs, including both local villages and luxury resorts.

💍

Meemu Atoll Rings

Classic circular coral formations that look like turquoise necklaces from the air.

🐠

Vaavu Atoll Channels

Deep water channels cutting through the reef, famous for shark sightings and vibrant marine life from above.

🏙️

Malé City Skyline

One of the most densely populated islands on earth, presenting a colorful, urban contrast to the natural atolls.

🛫

Hulhumalé Views

The reclaimed 'city of hope' and the intricate layout of Velana International Airport's taxiways and seaplane docks.

Choose the right side for the most iconic Maldives atoll scenery. For the best lighting, book a morning flight so the sun illuminates the eastern reefs while remaining behind you. Ensure you have your camera ready for the final 10 minutes of the flight as you descend over the North Malé Atoll and the capital city.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Huvadhu Lagoon

The massive interior lagoon of one of the largest atolls in the world right after takeoff.

🏖️

Western Reef Edges

View the dramatic drop-off where the shallow turquoise reef meets the deep indigo of the Laccadive Sea.

🌅

Ocean Horizon

Uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, particularly stunning during late afternoon flights as the sun begins to set.

🚤

Isolated Sandbanks

Small, pristine white sandbars that shift with the tides, often visible in the Thaa and Dhaalu Atolls.

The left side is preferable for afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the open ocean. It provides a sense of the Maldives' isolation and the vastness of the surrounding sea.

Top Activities in Male
Route Information

Distance: 385 km (239 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 39 min

Departure: GKK (0.7324, 73.4336)

Arrival: MLE (4.1918301582336435, 73.52909851074219)

Route Type: Domestic

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