The right side scores higher due to superior landing scenery. While the left side offers a more dramatic Chennai departure with urban and coastal features, the 11+ hour flight is dominated by the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean crossing—monotonous open water for the majority of cruise. The right side's approach into France showcases the Loire Valley's distinctive agricultural landscape, Vendée bocage, and Atlantic coastal plains, providing genuine visual variety during descent. The cruise phase over both sides is largely featureless ocean, but the landing sequence on the right delivers more recognizable, varied terrain.
Flown MAA to EDM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madras to La Roche-sur-yon is 5,170 miles (8,320 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
Arabian Sea (open water, 4+ hours), Oman coastline and Gulf of Oman (distant, rarely visible at cruise altitude), Persian Gulf region (far to the north, not on direct routing), Red Sea (not on typical routing), Suez Canal region (not on typical routing), Mediterranean Sea (open water, 3+ hours), southern France coastline approaching EDM (visible during descent)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAA
LEFTRunway 25 (WSW heading, typical dry season) offers views of Chennai's urban sprawl and the Cooum River delta as the aircraft climbs westward. The left side captures the city's eastern coastal fringe and harbor infrastructure during initial climb.
Landing at EDM
RIGHTApproach to EDM typically uses runway 28 (west-northwest heading) in prevailing westerly winds. The right side captures the Loire Valley's agricultural landscape, the Vendée region's rural character, and the Atlantic coastal approach. The descent path over western France offers more varied terrain than the monotonous Bay of Bengal crossing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chennai International (MAA) to Les Ajoncs (EDM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madras to La Roche-sur-yon. The right side scores higher due to superior landing scenery. While the left side offers a more dramatic Chennai departure with urban and coastal features, the 11+ hour flight is dominated by the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean crossing—monotonous open water for the majority of cruise. The right side's approach into France showcases the Loire Valley's distinctive agricultural landscape, Vendée bocage, and Atlantic coastal plains, providing genuine visual variety during descent. The cruise phase over both sides is largely featureless ocean, but the landing sequence on the right delivers more recognizable, varied terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Chennai International in Madras?
During takeoff from Chennai International (MAA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 25 (WSW heading, typical dry season) offers views of Chennai's urban sprawl and the Cooum River delta as the aircraft climbs westward. The left side captures the city's eastern coastal fringe and harbor infrastructure during initial climb. Notable sights include: Chennai city grid and harbor, Cooum River estuary, Bay of Bengal coastline, suburban sprawl extending inland.
What can I see when landing at Les Ajoncs in La Roche-sur-yon?
When landing at Les Ajoncs (EDM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to EDM typically uses runway 28 (west-northwest heading) in prevailing westerly winds. The right side captures the Loire Valley's agricultural landscape, the Vendée region's rural character, and the Atlantic coastal approach. The descent path over western France offers more varied terrain than the monotonous Bay of Bengal crossing. Notable sights include: Loire Valley agricultural patchwork, Vendée marshlands and bocage landscape, Atlantic coastal plains, La Roche-sur-Yon town and surrounding rural settlements.
How long is the flight from Madras to La Roche-sur-yon?
The flight from Chennai International (MAA) to Les Ajoncs (EDM) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,170 miles (8,320 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madras to La Roche-sur-yon flight path pass over?
Arabian Sea (open water, 4+ hours), Oman coastline and Gulf of Oman (distant, rarely visible at cruise altitude), Persian Gulf region (far to the north, not on direct routing), Red Sea (not on typical routing), Suez Canal region (not on typical routing), Mediterranean Sea (open water, 3+ hours), southern France coastline approaching EDM (visible during descent)