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MAA → MLE
Which side of the plane to sit from Chennai International Airport (Madras) to Malé International Airport (Male)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the lush Western Ghats and the Kerala coastline before providing the iconic approach over the Maldivian atolls.
Search flights from MAA to MLE
Western Ghats
Stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage mountain range with its misty peaks and dense forests.
Kerala Backwaters
A patchwork of lagoons, canals, and coconut groves along the Malabar Coast.
Laccadive Sea
The transition from the deep blue of the Indian Ocean to the vibrant turquoise of the Maldives.
Atoll Formations
Spectacular bird's-eye views of coral reefs, lagoons, and sandbars during the final 15 minutes of flight.
Sit on the right for the best lighting during morning and midday flights. As the plane descends into Malé, this side typically offers more dramatic views of the resort islands and the shallow coral reef structures. Ensure your window is clean for high-contrast photos of the turquoise water.
Book Hotels in MaleCoromandel Coast
Aerial view of the Chennai shoreline and the Bay of Bengal shortly after takeoff.
Tamil Nadu Plains
Vast agricultural landscapes and glimpses of temple towns in southern India.
Cardamom Hills
The southern reaches of the mountain range as the flight crosses towards the ocean.
North Malé Atoll
Closer views of the eastern island chains as the aircraft aligns for descent.
Morning flights on the left side will face direct sunlight, making photography difficult. Choose this side for sunrise views if on a very early departure. During descent into MLE, you will see the deeper ocean side of the atolls.
Get eSIMs for India
Get eSIMs for MaldivesDistance: 1,220 km (758 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: MAA (12.990005493164062, 80.16929626464844)
Arrival: MLE (4.1918301582336435, 73.52909851074219)
Route Type: International
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