The left side wins overall. Beyond the Doha departure views, as the flight tracks southeast it keeps the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman coastline, and the Indian subcontinent's western coast on the left side during the long overwater crossing. The Melbourne arrival on the right is strong but shorter in duration.
Flight Path
Strait of Hormuz and Musandam Peninsula shortly after departure, then the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean for the bulk of the flight. The route passes south of Sri Lanka, crosses the eastern Indian Ocean, and traverses the Australian continent over Western Australia's arid interior, the Nullarbor Plain, and South Australia before descending into Victoria.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DOH
LEFTDoha International's primary departure runway 34L sends aircraft northward over the city before turning southeast. The left side captures Doha's downtown skyline, the West Bay district towers, and the full sweep of Doha Bay before the aircraft heads out over the Persian Gulf.
Landing at MEB
RIGHTEssendon Airport's main landing approach on runway 26 brings aircraft in from the east heading west, placing Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline on the right side. You get a clear view of the city grid, the Yarra River snaking through it, and the bay beyond.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Doha to Melbourne. The left side wins overall. Beyond the Doha departure views, as the flight tracks southeast it keeps the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman coastline, and the Indian subcontinent's western coast on the left side during the long overwater crossing. The Melbourne arrival on the right is strong but shorter in duration.
What can I see during takeoff from Hamad International Airport in Doha?
During takeoff from Hamad International Airport (DOH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Doha International's primary departure runway 34L sends aircraft northward over the city before turning southeast. The left side captures Doha's downtown skyline, the West Bay district towers, and the full sweep of Doha Bay before the aircraft heads out over the Persian Gulf. Notable sights include: West Bay skyscraper cluster, Doha Bay, Pearl-Qatar artificial island, Persian Gulf open water.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Essendon Airport's main landing approach on runway 26 brings aircraft in from the east heading west, placing Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline on the right side. You get a clear view of the city grid, the Yarra River snaking through it, and the bay beyond. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River, Maribyrnong River.
How long is the flight from Doha to Melbourne?
The flight from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes Approximately 13 to 14 hours.
What does the Doha to Melbourne flight path pass over?
Strait of Hormuz and Musandam Peninsula shortly after departure, then the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean for the bulk of the flight. The route passes south of Sri Lanka, crosses the eastern Indian Ocean, and traverses the Australian continent over Western Australia's arid interior, the Nullarbor Plain, and South Australia before descending into Victoria.