While takeoff offers coastal scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and geographically distinctive views. The Ganges-Meghna Delta system is one of the world's largest and most visually striking river deltas from the air, with intricate channel patterns and extensive wetlands that are far more visually compelling than the departure sequence.
Flown CMB to DAC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Colombo to Dhaka is 1,346 miles (2,166 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Bay of Bengal (open water for approximately 1.5 hours of flight), transition from Sri Lankan airspace over the bay to Bangladesh airspace, the Ganges Delta's northern reaches become visible approximately 30 minutes before landing, with the delta's river channels and wetlands dominating the final descent corridor
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMB
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Indian Ocean coastline and the southwestern plains of Sri Lanka during the northbound climb. You'll see the lagoons and barrier reefs along the western coast, then the central highlands receding to the left as the aircraft turns northeast toward Bangladesh.
Landing at DAC
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during the southbound descent into Dhaka. You'll see the Ganges Delta's intricate network of rivers and channels, the Meghna River estuary, and the flat alluvial plains that characterize Bangladesh's landscape as you approach from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to Dhaka. While takeoff offers coastal scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and geographically distinctive views. The Ganges-Meghna Delta system is one of the world's largest and most visually striking river deltas from the air, with intricate channel patterns and extensive wetlands that are far more visually compelling than the departure sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
During takeoff from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Indian Ocean coastline and the southwestern plains of Sri Lanka during the northbound climb. You'll see the lagoons and barrier reefs along the western coast, then the central highlands receding to the left as the aircraft turns northeast toward Bangladesh. Notable sights include: Negombo Lagoon (immediate coastal feature west of Colombo), southwestern Sri Lankan coastline with reef systems, central highlands of Sri Lanka (Adam's Peak region) visible inland to the left during climb.
What can I see when landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka?
When landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during the southbound descent into Dhaka. You'll see the Ganges Delta's intricate network of rivers and channels, the Meghna River estuary, and the flat alluvial plains that characterize Bangladesh's landscape as you approach from the south. Notable sights include: Meghna River estuary (wide, braided river system with multiple channels), Ganges Delta wetlands and agricultural fields, Dhaka city sprawl visible near the airport, Padma River confluence visible to the west during final approach.
How long is the flight from Colombo to Dhaka?
The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,346 miles (2,166 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Colombo to Dhaka flight path pass over?
Bay of Bengal (open water for approximately 1.5 hours of flight), transition from Sri Lankan airspace over the bay to Bangladesh airspace, the Ganges Delta's northern reaches become visible approximately 30 minutes before landing, with the delta's river channels and wetlands dominating the final descent corridor