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MEL → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic transition from the deep red Australian Outback to the dense tropical forests of Southeast Asia and the rugged peaks of the Sichuan highlands.
Search flights from MEL to CTU
The Red Center
Vast stretches of the Australian desert featuring unique geological formations and vibrant ochre sands.
Timor Sea Crossing
The sparkling turquoise transition from the Australian continent into the deep blue of the Indonesian archipelago.
Borneo Coastline
Lush rainforests and winding river systems visible as the flight traverses the western side of the island.
Indochina Peninsula
Aerial views of the Mekong Delta's intricate waterways and the agricultural tapestry of Vietnam.
Longmen Mountains
Dramatic snow-capped peaks and deep valleys marking the edge of the Tibetan Plateau upon arrival in Sichuan.
Early morning departures from Melbourne allow for spectacular sunrise lighting over the Australian desert. Approximately 2-3 hours into the flight, keep an eye out for the shifting colors of the outback. On the descent into Chengdu, the left side provides a much better chance of spotting the high-altitude peaks to the west, especially if the weather is clear.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for ChinaThe Great Dividing Range
Rugged mountain views of southeastern Australia shortly after takeoff from Melbourne.
Sulawesi Volcanos
Intriguing volcanic topography and fragmented islands of central Indonesia.
South China Sea Shipping
A view of one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, often filled with large cargo vessels.
Guangdong Megacity Lights
The massive urban sprawl and glittering night lights of the Pearl River Delta if arriving after dark.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean if your flight departs very early. It also offers great views of the complex geography of the Indonesian archipelago and the intense urbanization of Southern China. If arriving in Chengdu at night, the right side often sees more of the city's eastern expansion and light displays.
Book Hotels in ChengduDistance: 8,697 km (5,404 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 14 min
Departure: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: International
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