While takeoff favors the right, the landing view is significantly more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The atoll system and coral reefs of the Maldives are visually striking and unique, whereas Manchester's industrial landscape is less remarkable. Left seats capture the approach to the atoll chain, which is the highlight of this route.
Flown MAN to MLE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manchester to Male is 5,403 miles (8,695 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean (if routed via southern Europe), the Suez Canal region or Red Sea (depending on routing), the Arabian Sea, and approaches the Indian Ocean. Key geographic features include the North African coast, the Arabian Peninsula's eastern edge, and the transition from the Arabian Sea to the Indian Ocean. The Maldives sit at the southwestern edge of the Indian subcontinent's maritime zone, approximately 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka.
Great circle distance and headings ›
_8.JPG?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAN
RIGHTManchester typically departs runway 05 or 23. Runway 05 departures (northeastbound initial heading) give right-side views of the Pennine foothills and the industrial landscape of Greater Manchester spreading south. Runway 23 departures (southwestbound) favor left seats, but 05 is more common for southbound traffic to the Maldives.
Landing at MLE
LEFTMale International (Velana) sits on a small atoll in the Indian Ocean. Approaches typically use runway 10 or 28. Runway 10 approaches (from the northeast) position left-side seats to view the atoll chain, coral reefs, and the Indian Ocean approach. The Maldivian archipelago's distinctive shallow lagoons and reef systems are best seen from the left during standard northeast approaches.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Manchester (MAN) to Male International (MLE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manchester to Male. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view is significantly more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The atoll system and coral reefs of the Maldives are visually striking and unique, whereas Manchester's industrial landscape is less remarkable. Left seats capture the approach to the atoll chain, which is the highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Manchester in Manchester?
During takeoff from Manchester (MAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Manchester typically departs runway 05 or 23. Runway 05 departures (northeastbound initial heading) give right-side views of the Pennine foothills and the industrial landscape of Greater Manchester spreading south. Runway 23 departures (southwestbound) favor left seats, but 05 is more common for southbound traffic to the Maldives. Notable sights include: Pennine Hills (eastern horizon), Manchester Ship Canal corridor, Stockport and Tameside urban sprawl, Cheshire Plain extending south.
What can I see when landing at Male International in Male?
When landing at Male International (MLE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Male International (Velana) sits on a small atoll in the Indian Ocean. Approaches typically use runway 10 or 28. Runway 10 approaches (from the northeast) position left-side seats to view the atoll chain, coral reefs, and the Indian Ocean approach. The Maldivian archipelago's distinctive shallow lagoons and reef systems are best seen from the left during standard northeast approaches. Notable sights include: North Male Atoll lagoon system, coral reef boundaries (bright turquoise water), Indian Ocean deep water (dark blue), neighboring resort islands.
How long is the flight from Manchester to Male?
The flight from Manchester (MAN) to Male International (MLE) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,403 miles (8,695 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manchester to Male flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean (if routed via southern Europe), the Suez Canal region or Red Sea (depending on routing), the Arabian Sea, and approaches the Indian Ocean. Key geographic features include the North African coast, the Arabian Peninsula's eastern edge, and the transition from the Arabian Sea to the Indian Ocean. The Maldives sit at the southwestern edge of the Indian subcontinent's maritime zone, approximately 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka.