The right side wins overall. At takeoff it captures the best of London and the Thames. During the cruise the route tracks southeast over Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East — the right side faces generally south and southwest, giving better views of the Aegean coastline, the Anatolian plateau, and the Persian Gulf region. At landing the left side is better for Chennai, but the takeoff and cruise advantages make right the stronger choice for the full journey.
Flown LHR to MAA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Madras is 5,117 miles (8,235 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The route typically tracks southeast from London over France and the Alps, then across the Aegean Sea and Turkey's Anatolian plateau, over the Taurus Mountains, then across Syria or Iraq toward the Persian Gulf. From there it crosses the Arabian Sea before making landfall on India's west coast and cutting across the Deccan Plateau to Chennai. Notable features include the Alps (visible as a white mountain mass), the Aegean islands, the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey, the Persian Gulf coastline, and the flat brown expanse of the Deccan Plateau on descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow departures on the eastbound runways (09L/09R) head toward central London. The right side gives you a clear view south over the Thames, Richmond Park, and the city skyline as you climb out. Left side faces north toward suburban Middlesex with little of interest.
Landing at MAA
LEFTChennai airport sits just inland from the Bay of Bengal. Aircraft typically approach from the north or northwest on runway 07/25. On a westerly approach (landing runway 07, heading east), the left side faces north toward the city of Chennai, the Marina Beach coastline, and the Bay of Bengal. This is the more visually rewarding side with the long beach and urban grid visible.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Chennai International (MAA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Madras. The right side wins overall. At takeoff it captures the best of London and the Thames. During the cruise the route tracks southeast over Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East — the right side faces generally south and southwest, giving better views of the Aegean coastline, the Anatolian plateau, and the Persian Gulf region. At landing the left side is better for Chennai, but the takeoff and cruise advantages make right the stronger choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow departures on the eastbound runways (09L/09R) head toward central London. The right side gives you a clear view south over the Thames, Richmond Park, and the city skyline as you climb out. Left side faces north toward suburban Middlesex with little of interest. Notable sights include: Thames River bend at Richmond, Windsor Castle to the west if banking, central London skyline including the Shard and Canary Wharf, Richmond Park.
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. Chennai airport sits just inland from the Bay of Bengal. Aircraft typically approach from the north or northwest on runway 07/25. On a westerly approach (landing runway 07, heading east), the left side faces north toward the city of Chennai, the Marina Beach coastline, and the Bay of Bengal. This is the more visually rewarding side with the long beach and urban grid visible. Notable sights include: Marina Beach (one of the world's longest urban beaches), Bay of Bengal coastline, Chennai city grid and harbour, Buckingham Canal running parallel to the coast.
How long is the flight from London to Madras?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Chennai International (MAA) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,117 miles (8,235 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Madras flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks southeast from London over France and the Alps, then across the Aegean Sea and Turkey's Anatolian plateau, over the Taurus Mountains, then across Syria or Iraq toward the Persian Gulf. From there it crosses the Arabian Sea before making landfall on India's west coast and cutting across the Deccan Plateau to Chennai. Notable features include the Alps (visible as a white mountain mass), the Aegean islands, the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey, the Persian Gulf coastline, and the flat brown expanse of the Deccan Plateau on descent.