The left side wins both ends of the flight — Melbourne's bay and skyline at departure, and the Deccan plateau with Hussain Sagar lake at arrival — while the cruise phase over open ocean and desert offers little differentiation either way.
Flight Path
Central Australian outback plains, Timor Sea, scattered islands of the Indonesian archipelago, and the open waters of the eastern Indian Ocean
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from MEL
LEFTDeparting Melbourne on runway 34, the initial turn typically swings the aircraft toward the west, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Port Phillip Bay, the city skyline, and the Bellarine Peninsula before the climb turns inland toward central Australia.

Landing at HYD
LEFTOn approach into Hyderabad from the west during dry-season easterly operations, left-side passengers get a clear view over the rocky Deccan plateau and the granite outcrops surrounding the city, with Hussain Sagar lake and the old city skyline visible just before touchdown.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Hyderabad. The left side wins both ends of the flight — Melbourne's bay and skyline at departure, and the Deccan plateau with Hussain Sagar lake at arrival — while the cruise phase over open ocean and desert offers little differentiation either way.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Melbourne on runway 34, the initial turn typically swings the aircraft toward the west, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Port Phillip Bay, the city skyline, and the Bellarine Peninsula before the climb turns inland toward central Australia. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, You Yangs hills, Bellarine Peninsula coastline.
What can I see when landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad?
When landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Hyderabad from the west during dry-season easterly operations, left-side passengers get a clear view over the rocky Deccan plateau and the granite outcrops surrounding the city, with Hussain Sagar lake and the old city skyline visible just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Deccan plateau granite outcrops, Hussain Sagar lake, Hyderabad old city skyline, Golconda Fort area.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Hyderabad?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) takes 10h 55m.
What does the Melbourne to Hyderabad flight path pass over?
Central Australian outback plains, Timor Sea, scattered islands of the Indonesian archipelago, and the open waters of the eastern Indian Ocean