Adelaide to Male is 4,997 miles (8,043 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: the Adelaide Hills during departure and the escarpment's full profile during approach. The takeoff view is particularly rewarding with the hills rising steeply to starboard.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Indian Ocean heading northwest. Notable waypoints include passing east of the Chagos Archipelago (around 5°S, 72°E) and approaching the Maldives from the southeast. The Maldives themselves consist of 26 atolls spread north-south across roughly 900 kilometers. Male is located on the southern edge of North Male Atoll. During cruise at 35,000 feet, the ocean dominates the view with occasional cumulus cloud formations. The Maldives atolls become visible as you descend—they appear as thin rings of islands surrounding lagoons, with the lagoon water appearing distinctly lighter (turquoise) than the surrounding deep ocean (dark blue).
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADL
RIGHTAdelaide typically departs runway 03 (northeast) or 21 (southwest). Right-side seats offer views of the Adelaide Hills escarpment and the city grid spreading eastward. If departing 03, you'll see the hills rise dramatically to starboard as you climb.
Landing at MLE
LEFTApproaching Adelaide typically uses runway 03 or 21. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Adelaide Hills and the city's eastern suburbs as you descend toward the airport. The escarpment provides dramatic relief and orientation.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Adelaide International (ADL) to Male International (MLE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Adelaide to Male. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: the Adelaide Hills during departure and the escarpment's full profile during approach. The takeoff view is particularly rewarding with the hills rising steeply to starboard.
What can I see during takeoff from Adelaide International in Adelaide?
During takeoff from Adelaide International (ADL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Adelaide typically departs runway 03 (northeast) or 21 (southwest). Right-side seats offer views of the Adelaide Hills escarpment and the city grid spreading eastward. If departing 03, you'll see the hills rise dramatically to starboard as you climb. Notable sights include: Adelaide Hills (Mount Lofty Range), Gulf St Vincent to the west, Adelaide city grid and suburbs, Barossa Valley region further northeast.
What can I see when landing at Male International in Male?
When landing at Male International (MLE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Adelaide typically uses runway 03 or 21. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Adelaide Hills and the city's eastern suburbs as you descend toward the airport. The escarpment provides dramatic relief and orientation. Notable sights include: Adelaide Hills and Mount Lofty, Gulf St Vincent coastline, Adelaide city center and eastern suburbs, Barossa Valley foothills.
How long is the flight from Adelaide to Male?
The flight from Adelaide International (ADL) to Male International (MLE) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,997 miles (8,043 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Adelaide to Male flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Indian Ocean heading northwest. Notable waypoints include passing east of the Chagos Archipelago (around 5°S, 72°E) and approaching the Maldives from the southeast. The Maldives themselves consist of 26 atolls spread north-south across roughly 900 kilometers. Male is located on the southern edge of North Male Atoll. During cruise at 35,000 feet, the ocean dominates the view with occasional cumulus cloud formations. The Maldives atolls become visible as you descend—they appear as thin rings of islands surrounding lagoons, with the lagoon water appearing distinctly lighter (turquoise) than the surrounding deep ocean (dark blue).