While takeoff from Chennai favors the right, the landing approach into Toronto on the left is visually superior and more dramatic. The Lake Ontario and Toronto Islands views during descent outweigh the Chennai departure scenery, making left-side seats the better overall choice for this route.
Flown MAA to YTZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madras to Toronto is 8,318 miles (13,386 km), a flight of about 18 hours.
Over the Arabian Sea and Arabian Peninsula, you'll cross the Persian Gulf region (visible from altitude as a distinctive shallow turquoise body of water bordered by desert). The Zagros Mountains in Iran appear as a major north-south ridge on eastbound legs. Crossing into Central Asia, the Caspian Sea is visible as a vast inland water body. Over Russia and Eastern Europe, major rivers like the Volga and Dnieper appear as silver threads through forested plains. The Great Lakes region becomes visible during the final approach to North America, with Lake Michigan and Lake Huron appearing as massive freshwater bodies before reaching Lake Ontario.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cooum River delta and the Bay of Bengal coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Chennai. The city's sprawl and the transition from urban to coastal landscape are clearly visible during the initial climb.
Landing at YTZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands during descent into City Centre Airport. The contrast between the vast freshwater lake, the Toronto waterfront, and the downtown core creates a striking visual sequence as you approach from the southeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chennai International (MAA) to City Centre (YTZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madras to Toronto. While takeoff from Chennai favors the right, the landing approach into Toronto on the left is visually superior and more dramatic. The Lake Ontario and Toronto Islands views during descent outweigh the Chennai departure scenery, making left-side seats the better overall choice for this route.
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 Cooum River delta and the Bay of Bengal coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Chennai. The city's sprawl and the transition from urban to coastal landscape are clearly visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Cooum River delta, Bay of Bengal coastline, Chennai city grid, Pulicat Lake (northern approach).
What can I see when landing at City Centre in Toronto?
When landing at City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands during descent into City Centre Airport. The contrast between the vast freshwater lake, the Toronto waterfront, and the downtown core creates a striking visual sequence as you approach from the southeast. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands (Centre Island, Ward's Island), Toronto downtown skyline, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern approach).
How long is the flight from Madras to Toronto?
The flight from Chennai International (MAA) to City Centre (YTZ) takes about 18 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 8,318 miles (13,386 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madras to Toronto flight path pass over?
Over the Arabian Sea and Arabian Peninsula, you'll cross the Persian Gulf region (visible from altitude as a distinctive shallow turquoise body of water bordered by desert). The Zagros Mountains in Iran appear as a major north-south ridge on eastbound legs. Crossing into Central Asia, the Caspian Sea is visible as a vast inland water body. Over Russia and Eastern Europe, major rivers like the Volga and Dnieper appear as silver threads through forested plains. The Great Lakes region becomes visible during the final approach to North America, with Lake Michigan and Lake Huron appearing as massive freshwater bodies before reaching Lake Ontario.