Right-side seats offer superior views on both legs: the Bay of Bengal and Coromandel Coast during departure, and the Persian Gulf's turquoise waters and Hajar Mountains during approach. The westbound routing ensures consistent right-side geography throughout the flight.
Flown MAA to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madras to Abu Dhabi is 1,843 miles (2,966 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, passing over open water for roughly 1,500 nautical miles. Around the midpoint, the aircraft will be over the central Arabian Sea with no significant landmarks visible—only water and occasional cumulus clouds. As the flight approaches the UAE coast, the Musandam Peninsula (northernmost tip of Oman) may be visible on the left during descent, followed by the entrance to the Persian Gulf and the UAE coastline.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Bay of Bengal and the Coromandel Coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward. Chennai typically departs from runways 07/25, and northwesterly departures offer the clearest view of the coastline and water features that dominate the initial climb.
Landing at AUH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Persian Gulf's western shoreline, the Hajar Mountains inland, and Abu Dhabi's coastal development during descent. Abu Dhabi typically lands on runways 09/27, and southeasterly approaches align the left side with the gulf and the dramatic desert-to-water transition.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chennai International (MAA) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madras to Abu Dhabi. Right-side seats offer superior views on both legs: the Bay of Bengal and Coromandel Coast during departure, and the Persian Gulf's turquoise waters and Hajar Mountains during approach. The westbound routing ensures consistent right-side geography throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Chennai International in Madras?
During takeoff from Chennai International (MAA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Bay of Bengal and the Coromandel Coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward. Chennai typically departs from runways 07/25, and northwesterly departures offer the clearest view of the coastline and water features that dominate the initial climb. Notable sights include: Bay of Bengal (immediate right, sparkling water surface), Coromandel Coast shoreline with sandy beaches, Cooum River delta visible as a darker water feature near the airport, inland Tamil Nadu plains extending westward.
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Persian Gulf's western shoreline, the Hajar Mountains inland, and Abu Dhabi's coastal development during descent. Abu Dhabi typically lands on runways 09/27, and southeasterly approaches align the left side with the gulf and the dramatic desert-to-water transition. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (bright turquoise shallow waters), Hajar Mountains as a distant ridge on the horizon (inland/western side), Abu Dhabi's coastal islands and breakwaters, desert plains of the United Arab Emirates interior.
How long is the flight from Madras to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Chennai International (MAA) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,843 miles (2,966 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madras to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, passing over open water for roughly 1,500 nautical miles. Around the midpoint, the aircraft will be over the central Arabian Sea with no significant landmarks visible—only water and occasional cumulus clouds. As the flight approaches the UAE coast, the Musandam Peninsula (northernmost tip of Oman) may be visible on the left during descent, followed by the entrance to the Persian Gulf and the UAE coastline.