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MLE → MAA
Which side of the plane to sit from Malé International Airport (Male) to Chennai International Airport (Madras)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the best perspective of the Maldivian capital's expansion and the most dramatic approach into Chennai, featuring the Bay of Bengal coastline and the city's iconic long beaches.
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Sinamalé Bridge
A clear view of the bridge connecting Malé to Hulhulé and the urban sprawl of the capital.
Hulhumalé Development
Observation of the massive land reclamation project and modern urban planning of the Maldives.
Kanyakumari
Occasional sightings of the southern tip of India where three major water bodies converge.
Marina Beach
The expansive urban coastline of Chennai, one of the longest in the world, visible during descent.
Bay of Bengal
The shimmering blue horizon as the aircraft banks over the sea for its final alignment with the runway.
Secure a window seat on the right for the iconic 'atoll-to-city' experience. On the approach to Chennai (MAA), the plane often flies out over the Bay of Bengal before turning back inland, giving right-side passengers a panoramic view of the coastline. Morning flights provide the best lighting for photography of the Maldives.
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North Malé Atoll
Exquisite views of the ring-shaped coral formations and luxury water villas shortly after takeoff.
Laccadive Sea
Deep indigo waters of the Indian Ocean, often showcasing international shipping traffic.
Western Ghats
The lush, tropical mountain ranges of Southern India visible as the plane enters Indian airspace.
Tamil Nadu Plains
A patchwork of agricultural fields and rural settlements characterizing the interior landscape.
The left side is preferable for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh tropical sun. It offers a great view of the scattered atolls north of Malé during the climb. Look out for the sudden transition from ocean to the dense greenery of the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border regions.
Get eSIMs for Maldives
Get eSIMs for IndiaDistance: 1,220 km (758 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: MLE (4.1918301582336435, 73.52909851074219)
Arrival: MAA (12.990005493164062, 80.16929626464844)
Route Type: International
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