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SVO → MLE
Which side of the plane to sit from Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow) to Malé International Airport (Male)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the superior choice for the typical overnight flight from Moscow to Male, offering a stunning sunrise over the Indian Ocean and a panoramic introduction to the Maldivian atolls during the final morning descent.
Volga River Basin
View the winding curves of Russia's most iconic river as the flight heads southeast from Moscow.
Caspian Sea Shoreline
The eastern coastline of the Caspian Sea, where the arid landscapes of Central Asia meet the deep blue water.
Alborz Mountain Range
Snow-capped Iranian peaks, including the possibility of spotting the volcanic cone of Mount Damavand.
Dasht-e Lut
The vast, alien-like landscapes of the Iranian salt desert, known for its spectacular yardang formations.
Indian Ocean Sunrise
A vibrant dawn over the open sea, occurring roughly 90 minutes before arrival on standard flight schedules.
Baa Atoll
The first major Maldivian reef system to appear, showing clear turquoise rings against the deep ocean.
For the standard late-night departure from SVO, choose the left side to avoid direct sunlight glare during the descent while enjoying the sunrise. The left side typically provides a better view of the northern atoll chains like Lhaviyani and Baa as the pilot begins the approach into Velana International.
Baku City Lights
The illuminated skyline of Azerbaijan's capital and its offshore oil rigs during the first half of the journey.
Zagros Mountains
The rugged, folded limestone ridges of western Iran, providing dramatic textures from 35,000 feet.
Strait of Hormuz
The strategic maritime gateway where the Persian Gulf meets the Arabian Sea, often filled with tanker traffic.
North Malé Atoll
Luxury resort islands with white sand beaches and overwater bungalows visible during the final approach.
Malé Capital Island
The incredibly dense, colorful urban landscape of the Maldives' capital city just before touchdown.
The right side is best for observing the dramatic geological formations of the Iranian plateau. If the flight lands from the north (Runway 18), the right side offers an unparalleled view of Malé city and its uniquely crowded island structure. This side is also less likely to be blocked by the sun during the early morning landing phase.
Distance: 6,587 km (4,093 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 45 min
Departure: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Arrival: MLE (4.1918301582336435, 73.52909851074219)
Route Type: International
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