London to Male flight pathLHRMLE

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Flight time10h 30m
Distance5,306
Heading100° → 142°

London to Male is 5,306 miles (8,539 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.

Best side
Right
★ 2.5 left·★ 4.0 right

Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Indian subcontinent, the right side also faces south toward the Arabian Sea coastline and later the Indian peninsula, giving more geographic interest than the left side which faces into Central Asia and open ocean for much of the route.

Takeoff · LHRRIGHTRiver Thames through central London, Wembley Stadium arch, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the southwest
Landing · MLERIGHTMale city island, Hulhumale reclaimed island, North Male Atoll reef and lagoon system

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The route tracks southeast over France and the Alps, then across the Adriatic and into Turkish airspace, over the Anatolian plateau, across Iran and the Zagros Mountains, over the Persian Gulf, then down the western coast of India passing Goa and Mumbai before crossing the Lakshadweep Sea and descending into the Maldives. The Zagros mountain range in Iran and the Indian coastline are the most visually striking features at cruising altitude.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (right side) — River Thames through central London, Wembley Stadium arch, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the southwest, the City of London skyline including The Shard

Takeoff from LHR

RIGHT

Heathrow departures on the eastbound runway 27L/27R head west initially before turning southeast. A right-side seat gives you views over central London as the aircraft banks — you can pick out the Thames snaking through the city, the Wembley arch, and the dense urban grid of West London. Left side faces away toward the M25 corridor and open countryside.

River Thames through central LondonWembley Stadium archWindsor Castle and Great Park to the southwestthe City of London skyline including The Shard
Aerial window seat view during landing at Male (right side) — Male city island (densely built urban atoll), Hulhumale reclaimed island, North Male Atoll reef and lagoon system, Indian Ocean coral reef patterns visible through clear shallow water

Landing at MLE

RIGHT

Velana International Airport sits on Hulhule Island just north of Male, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast over open Indian Ocean. A right-side seat gives you the view of Male city — one of the world's most densely packed urban islands — sitting just off the right wing as you descend, with the turquoise atoll lagoons and reef structures visible below. Left side faces open ocean.

Male city islandHulhumale reclaimed islandNorth Male Atoll reef and lagoon systemIndian Ocean coral reef patterns visible through clear shallow water

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Male International (MLE)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Male. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Indian subcontinent, the right side also faces south toward the Arabian Sea coastline and later the Indian peninsula, giving more geographic interest than the left side which faces into Central Asia and open ocean for much of the route.

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 runway 27L/27R head west initially before turning southeast. A right-side seat gives you views over central London as the aircraft banks — you can pick out the Thames snaking through the city, the Wembley arch, and the dense urban grid of West London. Left side faces away toward the M25 corridor and open countryside. Notable sights include: River Thames through central London, Wembley Stadium arch, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the southwest, the City of London skyline including The Shard.

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. Velana International Airport sits on Hulhule Island just north of Male, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast over open Indian Ocean. A right-side seat gives you the view of Male city — one of the world's most densely packed urban islands — sitting just off the right wing as you descend, with the turquoise atoll lagoons and reef structures visible below. Left side faces open ocean. Notable sights include: Male city island (densely built urban atoll), Hulhumale reclaimed island, North Male Atoll reef and lagoon system, Indian Ocean coral reef patterns visible through clear shallow water.

How long is the flight from London to Male?

The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Male International (MLE) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,306 miles (8,539 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Male flight path pass over?

The route tracks southeast over France and the Alps, then across the Adriatic and into Turkish airspace, over the Anatolian plateau, across Iran and the Zagros Mountains, over the Persian Gulf, then down the western coast of India passing Goa and Mumbai before crossing the Lakshadweep Sea and descending into the Maldives. The Zagros mountain range in Iran and the Indian coastline are the most visually striking features at cruising altitude.