While takeoff favors the right for Andaman Sea views, the landing approach provides more compelling geography on the left with the Cooum River delta, Marina Beach, and Bay of Bengal shoreline. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Bay of Bengal in a southwest direction. At cruise altitude (around 25,000-30,000 feet), the Andaman Sea dominates the first 45 minutes with scattered islands visible below. The midpoint occurs over open water with no significant landmarks. The final 45 minutes approach the Tamil Nadu coast, with the Coromandel Coast becoming visible as you descend, showing the transition from open ocean to coastal waters and eventually the Cooum River delta system near Chennai.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IXZ
RIGHTPort Blair typically departs runway 06 (northeast heading). Right-side seats offer views of the Andaman Sea immediately after liftoff, with the archipelago's eastern islands visible as you climb. Left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive features.
Landing at MAA
LEFTApproaching Chennai typically uses runway 06 or 24 depending on wind. For standard approaches from the northeast, left-side seats provide views of the Cooum River delta, Chennai's coastal districts, and the Bay of Bengal shoreline. Right side faces inland urban sprawl with fewer geographic markers.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Blair (IXZ) to Chennai International (MAA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Port Blair to Madras. While takeoff favors the right for Andaman Sea views, the landing approach provides more compelling geography on the left with the Cooum River delta, Marina Beach, and Bay of Bengal shoreline. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Blair in Port Blair?
During takeoff from Port Blair (IXZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Port Blair typically departs runway 06 (northeast heading). Right-side seats offer views of the Andaman Sea immediately after liftoff, with the archipelago's eastern islands visible as you climb. Left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Andaman Sea (immediate offshore waters), Ross Island (small island southeast of airport), North Andaman island chain (receding to horizon), coastal mangrove formations along airport perimeter.
What can I see when landing at Chennai International in Madras?
When landing at Chennai International (MAA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Chennai typically uses runway 06 or 24 depending on wind. For standard approaches from the northeast, left-side seats provide views of the Cooum River delta, Chennai's coastal districts, and the Bay of Bengal shoreline. Right side faces inland urban sprawl with fewer geographic markers. Notable sights include: Bay of Bengal (offshore waters), Cooum River delta and estuary (distinctive branching waterway), Marina Beach and coastal strip (linear feature along shore), Pulicat Lake area (shallow lagoon visible to north).
How long is the flight from Port Blair to Madras?
The flight from Port Blair (IXZ) to Chennai International (MAA) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Port Blair to Madras flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Bengal in a southwest direction. At cruise altitude (around 25,000-30,000 feet), the Andaman Sea dominates the first 45 minutes with scattered islands visible below. The midpoint occurs over open water with no significant landmarks. The final 45 minutes approach the Tamil Nadu coast, with the Coromandel Coast becoming visible as you descend, showing the transition from open ocean to coastal waters and eventually the Cooum River delta system near Chennai.