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MLE → FRA
Which side of the plane to sit from Malé International Airport (Male) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic views of the Maldivian atolls during departure, followed by stunning perspectives of the Arabian desert and the dramatic Zagros Mountains in the afternoon light.
North Malé Atoll
Breathtaking aerial views of turquoise lagoons and coral rings immediately after takeoff from MLE.
Rub' al Khali
The vast, rolling red dunes of the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia provide a mesmerizing desert landscape.
Zagros Mountains
Dramatic, folded mountain ridges and high-altitude salt domes across Iran and Northern Iraq.
Kuwait City
A clear view of the urban sprawl and the Persian Gulf coastline as the flight heads toward Europe.
The Alps
Depending on the specific airway, distant views of the snow-capped Austrian and Bavarian Alps during descent.
For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to avoid obstructing the view of the atolls. Since most MLE-FRA flights depart in the morning, the sun will be behind you or to the right, providing excellent lighting for photography of the desert and mountains on the left side. Keep your window shade open during the first 20 minutes and the middle 4 hours of the flight.
Laccadive Sea
Deep blue oceanic vistas as the plane leaves the Maldivian archipelago behind.
Dubai Skyline
Distant but often visible views of the Burj Khalifa and the UAE coastline if the route passes over the Gulf.
Anatolian Plateau
The rugged, volcanic terrain of Eastern Turkey, including potential views of Lake Van.
Black Sea Coast
The transition from the mountains of Turkey to the dark blue waters of the Black Sea.
Carpathian Mountains
Dense green forests and winding valleys as the flight traverses Romania and Hungary.
The right side is excellent for catching the sunrise if you are on a late-night departure. It also provides a better angle for the Anatolian highlands. However, be aware that midday sun can cause significant glare on this side. Monitor the flight path for a potential view of Mount Ararat when crossing the Turkish border.
Distance: 7,884 km (4,899 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 17 min
Departure: MLE (4.1918301582336435, 73.52909851074219)
Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Route Type: International
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