The right seat captures the spectacular Marina Beach and Bay of Bengal departure view from Chennai, which is more visually dramatic than the landing approach. During cruise the right side also tracks closer to the Indian coastline as the route heads northwest, offering occasional glimpses of the Gulf of Mannar and Sri Lanka's northern tip in the early stages of the flight.
Flown MAA to DOH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madras to Doha is 2,042 miles (3,286 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the southern tip of India and the Gulf of Mannar, then tracks northwest over the Arabian Sea. Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna Peninsula may be briefly visible early in the flight on the right. The route then crosses open Arabian Sea with no significant landmass until the aircraft approaches the Omani coast near Muscat, then tracks northwest along the Arabian Peninsula coast before descending into Qatar over the Persian Gulf.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAA
RIGHTChennai's primary departure runway 07/25 means westbound departures head roughly west-northwest. A right seat gives you a clear view south over the city's dense urban grid, the Marina Beach coastline stretching south, and the Bay of Bengal shoreline before the aircraft turns northwest. Left seat faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at DOH
LEFTDoha's main arrival runway 16/34 typically sees northbound arrivals on runway 34, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south over the Gulf. A left seat faces east over Doha's West Bay skyline cluster and the inner harbor as you descend, with the Persian Gulf visible ahead. Right seat looks west into flat desert hinterland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chennai International (MAA) to Hamad International Airport (DOH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madras to Doha. The right seat captures the spectacular Marina Beach and Bay of Bengal departure view from Chennai, which is more visually dramatic than the landing approach. During cruise the right side also tracks closer to the Indian coastline as the route heads northwest, offering occasional glimpses of the Gulf of Mannar and Sri Lanka's northern tip in the early stages of 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. Chennai's primary departure runway 07/25 means westbound departures head roughly west-northwest. A right seat gives you a clear view south over the city's dense urban grid, the Marina Beach coastline stretching south, and the Bay of Bengal shoreline before the aircraft turns northwest. Left seat faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Marina Beach (one of the longest urban beaches in the world, clearly visible as a pale sand strip), Chennai city grid and the Cooum River mouth, Bay of Bengal coastline curving south toward Mahabalipuram, Ennore port and industrial zone to the north.
What can I see when landing at Hamad International Airport in Doha?
When landing at Hamad International Airport (DOH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Doha's main arrival runway 16/34 typically sees northbound arrivals on runway 34, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south over the Gulf. A left seat faces east over Doha's West Bay skyline cluster and the inner harbor as you descend, with the Persian Gulf visible ahead. Right seat looks west into flat desert hinterland. Notable sights include: Doha West Bay skyscraper cluster (distinctive dense high-rise skyline on a peninsula), Doha Corniche curving along the waterfront, Persian Gulf shallow turquoise waters, Palm Tree Island and the inner harbor area.
How long is the flight from Madras to Doha?
The flight from Chennai International (MAA) to Hamad International Airport (DOH) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,042 miles (3,286 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madras to Doha flight path pass over?
The route crosses the southern tip of India and the Gulf of Mannar, then tracks northwest over the Arabian Sea. Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna Peninsula may be briefly visible early in the flight on the right. The route then crosses open Arabian Sea with no significant landmass until the aircraft approaches the Omani coast near Muscat, then tracks northwest along the Arabian Peninsula coast before descending into Qatar over the Persian Gulf.