Colombo to Male is 483 miles (778 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Both sides are dominated by open ocean during the short cruise, but the right side benefits from the more dramatic and longer-lasting scenery of the Maldivian atoll approach — reef patterns, lagoon colors, and the Male City skyline — which outweighs the brief Colombo view on departure.
Flight Path
Open Indian Ocean with no land visible; deep blue water stretching to the horizon until the first coral atolls of the Maldives appear near the descent into MLE.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMB
LEFTDeparting CMB on runway 22 (the typical southwest-monsoon configuration), the aircraft lifts off heading almost directly toward Colombo, putting the city's skyline, harbor and coastline just off the left wing during the climb. The right side only shows the quieter coast north of the airport toward Negombo.
Landing at MLE
RIGHTOn the common southwest-monsoon approach into MLE (runway 18, landing to the south), the aircraft descends from the north over North Male Atoll, and Male City along with the Sinamalé Bridge sits off to the right side as the plane lines up with the runway. The turquoise lagoon and reef patterns are also most clearly framed on this side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Male International (MLE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to Male. Both sides are dominated by open ocean during the short cruise, but the right side benefits from the more dramatic and longer-lasting scenery of the Maldivian atoll approach — reef patterns, lagoon colors, and the Male City skyline — which outweighs the brief Colombo view on departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
During takeoff from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CMB on runway 22 (the typical southwest-monsoon configuration), the aircraft lifts off heading almost directly toward Colombo, putting the city's skyline, harbor and coastline just off the left wing during the climb. The right side only shows the quieter coast north of the airport toward Negombo. Notable sights include: Colombo skyline and port, Beira Lake, Kelani River mouth, Galle Face Green coastline.
What can I see when landing at Male International in Male?
When landing at Male International (MLE), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common southwest-monsoon approach into MLE (runway 18, landing to the south), the aircraft descends from the north over North Male Atoll, and Male City along with the Sinamalé Bridge sits off to the right side as the plane lines up with the runway. The turquoise lagoon and reef patterns are also most clearly framed on this side. Notable sights include: Male City skyline, Sinamalé Bridge, North Male Atoll reef and lagoon, Hulhulé Island runway edge.
How long is the flight from Colombo to Male?
The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Male International (MLE) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 483 miles (778 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Colombo to Male flight path pass over?
Open Indian Ocean with no land visible; deep blue water stretching to the horizon until the first coral atolls of the Maldives appear near the descent into MLE.