While takeoff favors the right for city and coast views, the landing approach over the Negombo Lagoon and Indian Ocean from the left is more geographically distinctive and visually compelling. Left seats capture the most unique feature of this route—the lagoon system—during descent.
Flown MAA to CMB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madras to Colombo is 402 miles (647 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Palk Strait (the narrow water channel between India and Sri Lanka), with the Jaffna Peninsula visible to the left during cruise. The route passes over open Indian Ocean for most of the journey. On clear days, the northern coast of Sri Lanka becomes visible around 30 minutes before landing, with the Negombo Lagoon system appearing as you descend toward CMB.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAA
RIGHTMAA typically departs runway 06 or 08 (northeast heading). Right-side seats face the Bay of Bengal and the Coromandel Coast as you climb, with the city sprawling below and the coastline curving away to the south. Left seats see inland terrain and the city's western suburbs.
Landing at CMB
LEFTCMB typically lands runway 04 (northeast approach) or 18 (southwest approach). For a northeast approach, left seats offer views of the Indian Ocean, the Negombo Lagoon system, and the approach path over coastal wetlands. For a southwest approach, left seats still capture the lagoon and coastal geography better than right seats facing inland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chennai International (MAA) to Bandaranaike International (CMB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madras to Colombo. While takeoff favors the right for city and coast views, the landing approach over the Negombo Lagoon and Indian Ocean from the left is more geographically distinctive and visually compelling. Left seats capture the most unique feature of this route—the lagoon system—during descent.
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. MAA typically departs runway 06 or 08 (northeast heading). Right-side seats face the Bay of Bengal and the Coromandel Coast as you climb, with the city sprawling below and the coastline curving away to the south. Left seats see inland terrain and the city's western suburbs. Notable sights include: Bay of Bengal, Chennai city grid and harbor, Coromandel Coast shoreline, Cooum River estuary.
What can I see when landing at Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
When landing at Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Left side for the best views. CMB typically lands runway 04 (northeast approach) or 18 (southwest approach). For a northeast approach, left seats offer views of the Indian Ocean, the Negombo Lagoon system, and the approach path over coastal wetlands. For a southwest approach, left seats still capture the lagoon and coastal geography better than right seats facing inland. Notable sights include: Indian Ocean, Negombo Lagoon and salt ponds, Colombo harbor and skyline, coastal wetland systems.
How long is the flight from Madras to Colombo?
The flight from Chennai International (MAA) to Bandaranaike International (CMB) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 402 miles (647 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madras to Colombo flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Palk Strait (the narrow water channel between India and Sri Lanka), with the Jaffna Peninsula visible to the left during cruise. The route passes over open Indian Ocean for most of the journey. On clear days, the northern coast of Sri Lanka becomes visible around 30 minutes before landing, with the Negombo Lagoon system appearing as you descend toward CMB.