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RUH → MAA
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to Chennai International Airport (Madras)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the best overall experience by avoiding direct southern sun glare for most of the flight. It provides superior views of the North Arabian desert formations, the dramatic entry over the Western Ghats, and the sprawling agricultural landscapes of the Indian interior.
Search flights from RUH to MAA
Riyadh Cityscape
Bird's-eye view of the Kingdom Centre and the structured urban grid of the Saudi capital upon departure.
Ad-Dahna Desert
Stunning vistas of the narrow strip of high-latitude red sand dunes connecting the northern and southern deserts.
Arabian Sea Crossing
A vast expanse of deep blue water, occasionally dotted with commercial shipping vessels along international trade routes.
Western Ghats
The dramatic transition from the sea to the lush, mist-covered mountain range of India's western coast.
Deccan Agricultural Grid
The intricate mosaic of farmland and rural villages across the Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh plains.
Select a seat in the forward section or behind the wing to avoid engine heat haze. For daytime flights, the sun remains to the south, making the left side ideal for photography without harsh glare. Watch closely about 4 hours into the flight for the first glimpse of the Indian coastline.
Get eSIMs for Saudi Arabia
Get eSIMs for IndiaEmpty Quarter Edges
Views toward the northern fringes of the Rub' al Khali, the largest contiguous sand desert in the world.
Konkan Coastline
Lush tropical scenery and sandy beaches visible as the aircraft makes landfall over Southwestern India.
Nilgiri Mountains
Distant views of the Blue Mountains and high-altitude plateaus of southern India.
Kaveri River Basin
Glistening views of the major river systems and reservoirs that sustain the southern peninsula.
Chennai Urban Sprawl
The dense urban landscape and historic landmarks of the 'Gateway to South India' during the final descent.
On night flights, this side offers a spectacular view of the brightly lit coastal cities of India. During the day, be prepared for significant sun exposure; keep your window shade partially closed to manage cabin heat. The approach into Chennai often provides a view of the Bay of Bengal if the wind requires a sea-side landing pattern.
Book Hotels in MadrasDistance: 3,749 km (2,330 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 25 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: MAA (12.990005493164062, 80.16929626464844)
Route Type: International
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