While takeoff offers the Dandenong Ranges, the landing approach into Mumbai provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Arabian Sea, coastal geography, and the city's distinctive island-and-water layout are visually compelling. Right side captures this better during descent.
Flight Path
Flight path crosses the Indian Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for approximately 6 hours. The route passes over open ocean southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. As the aircraft approaches India, the Western Ghats mountain range becomes visible on the eastern horizon approximately 1 hour before landing. The Deccan Plateau's edge may be faintly visible in clear conditions. The final approach into Mumbai reveals the coastal transition zone where the Western Ghats meet the Arabian Sea coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
LEFTLeft side captures the Dandenong Ranges immediately northwest of Essendon, a distinctive forested ridge visible during climb-out. The ranges provide clear visual relief against the flat Melbourne plains.

Landing at BOM
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Arabian Sea coastline and Mumbai's distinctive geography during descent. The coastal approach into Bombay provides excellent views of the city's island-based layout and surrounding water bodies.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Bombay. While takeoff offers the Dandenong Ranges, the landing approach into Mumbai provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Arabian Sea, coastal geography, and the city's distinctive island-and-water layout are visually compelling. Right side captures this better during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Dandenong Ranges immediately northwest of Essendon, a distinctive forested ridge visible during climb-out. The ranges provide clear visual relief against the flat Melbourne plains. Notable sights include: Dandenong Ranges, Port Phillip Bay (southwest), Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River valley.
What can I see when landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Bombay?
When landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Arabian Sea coastline and Mumbai's distinctive geography during descent. The coastal approach into Bombay provides excellent views of the city's island-based layout and surrounding water bodies. Notable sights include: Arabian Sea, Mumbai coastline and harbor, Western Ghats (distant), Thane Creek.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Bombay?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) takes 8h 45m.
What does the Melbourne to Bombay flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Indian Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for approximately 6 hours. The route passes over open ocean southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. As the aircraft approaches India, the Western Ghats mountain range becomes visible on the eastern horizon approximately 1 hour before landing. The Deccan Plateau's edge may be faintly visible in clear conditions. The final approach into Mumbai reveals the coastal transition zone where the Western Ghats meet the Arabian Sea coast.