Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive scenery: the Bay of Bengal and Coromandel Coast during departure offer immediate dramatic water and coastline views that left-side seats miss entirely. While left-side seats have advantages during Paris descent, the takeoff experience from Chennai is more geographically striking.
Flown MAA to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madras to Paris is 4,984 miles (8,021 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then traverses the Middle East (Persian Gulf region visible from altitude), continues over Iraq and Syria, crosses the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus or southern Turkey, and approaches Europe over the Alps. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Tigris and Euphrates river valleys, the Mediterranean coastline, and the Alpine mountain range. The Alps become visible approximately 1.5 to 2 hours before landing at CDG, appearing as a jagged white ridge on the horizon during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Bay of Bengal and the Coromandel Coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Chennai. The coastline and water body are immediately visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at CDG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Paris. As the aircraft approaches from the southeast, the left side faces the Seine River valley, the Île-de-France region, and the distinctive landmarks of central Paris including the city's urban sprawl and major monuments.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chennai International (MAA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madras to Paris. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive scenery: the Bay of Bengal and Coromandel Coast during departure offer immediate dramatic water and coastline views that left-side seats miss entirely. While left-side seats have advantages during Paris descent, the takeoff experience from Chennai is more geographically striking.
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 offer views of the Bay of Bengal and the Coromandel Coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Chennai. The coastline and water body are immediately visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Bay of Bengal, Coromandel Coast, Chennai city grid, Pulicat Lake.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Paris. As the aircraft approaches from the southeast, the left side faces the Seine River valley, the Île-de-France region, and the distinctive landmarks of central Paris including the city's urban sprawl and major monuments. Notable sights include: Seine River, Île-de-France plains, Paris metropolitan area, Versailles region.
How long is the flight from Madras to Paris?
The flight from Chennai International (MAA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,984 miles (8,021 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madras to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then traverses the Middle East (Persian Gulf region visible from altitude), continues over Iraq and Syria, crosses the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus or southern Turkey, and approaches Europe over the Alps. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Tigris and Euphrates river valleys, the Mediterranean coastline, and the Alpine mountain range. The Alps become visible approximately 1.5 to 2 hours before landing at CDG, appearing as a jagged white ridge on the horizon during descent.