Over the long cruise phase, the left side aligns with the route's northwestern arc across Central Asia and Siberia, offering glimpses of the Ural Mountains foothills and vast taiga, plus the scenic Helsinki archipelago approach at the end. The right side spends more time over featureless steppe and open water with less variety.
Flown MEL to HEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Helsinki is 9,436 miles (15,185 km), a flight of about 15 hours 30 minutes.
Central Asian steppe, southern fringe of the Ural Mountains, West Siberian Plain, scattered river systems feeding into the Gulf of Ob
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
RIGHTDeparting Melbourne on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north with Melbourne's CBD skyline and Port Phillip Bay falling away to the right (east) before the turn onto the northwest routing. The left side mostly shows flat western suburbs and farmland.
Landing at HEL
LEFTHelsinki-Vantaa typically lands on runway 22 approaching from the northeast, meaning the final descent curves the aircraft over the Gulf of Finland and Helsinki's island-studded coastline, visible on the left side as the plane banks toward the runway. The right side mainly shows forested inland Finland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Helsinki. Over the long cruise phase, the left side aligns with the route's northwestern arc across Central Asia and Siberia, offering glimpses of the Ural Mountains foothills and vast taiga, plus the scenic Helsinki archipelago approach at the end. The right side spends more time over featureless steppe and open water with less variety.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Melbourne on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north with Melbourne's CBD skyline and Port Phillip Bay falling away to the right (east) before the turn onto the northwest routing. The left side mostly shows flat western suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Westgate Bridge, Yarra River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Helsinki-Vantaa typically lands on runway 22 approaching from the northeast, meaning the final descent curves the aircraft over the Gulf of Finland and Helsinki's island-studded coastline, visible on the left side as the plane banks toward the runway. The right side mainly shows forested inland Finland. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland, Helsinki archipelago islands, Suomenlinna fortress island, Helsinki city coastline.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Helsinki?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) takes about 15 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,436 miles (15,185 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Helsinki flight path pass over?
Central Asian steppe, southern fringe of the Ural Mountains, West Siberian Plain, scattered river systems feeding into the Gulf of Ob