Loading map...
MAA → RUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Chennai International Airport (Madras) to King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route, offering a glimpse of the northern Omani coastline and the most iconic views of the Riyadh city skyline and skyscrapers during the descent.
Search flights from MAA to RUH
Chennai Cityscape
A panoramic view of the metropolitan area and the northern industrial corridors upon departure.
Omani Mountains
The rugged, jagged terrain of the Hajar mountain range visible as the flight enters the peninsula.
Ad-Dahna Desert
A striking narrow corridor of reddish sand that connects the northern Nefud with the southern Rub' al Khali.
Riyadh Skyscrapers
Excellent views of the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliyah Tower when approaching King Khaled International from the north.
Historic Diriyah
The mud-brick ruins of the original Saudi capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, can sometimes be seen on final approach.
For morning flights, the right side is preferable to avoid direct solar glare. Keep your camera ready during the last 20 minutes of the flight; depending on the landing pattern, the right side usually provides the best angle for photography of the Riyadh skyline. The transition from the Gulf of Oman to the rocky desert plateaus is a geographic highlight best seen from this side.
Book Hotels in Riyadh
Coromandel Coast
Beautiful views of the Indian coastline as the aircraft climbs and turns westward from Chennai.
Western Ghats
The lush green ridges and steep escarpments of the Sahyadri mountains visible before crossing the sea.
Rub' al Khali
The mesmerizing red sand dunes of the Empty Quarter, the world's largest contiguous sand desert.
Al-Kharj Oasis
Circular irrigation patterns and green agricultural patches in the middle of the Saudi desert.
Choose the left side for afternoon or evening flights to experience a stunning sunset over the Arabian Peninsula. The low-angle light is particularly effective for revealing the texture and scale of the Rub' al Khali sand dunes. Look for the contrast between the deep blue Arabian Sea and the orange sands of the peninsula coast.
Get eSIMs for India
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaDistance: 3,749 km (2,330 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 25 min
Departure: MAA (12.990005493164062, 80.16929626464844)
Arrival: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.