While takeoff offers excellent atoll scenery on the right, the landing approach into JFK on the left provides more dramatic and iconic views of New York's geography and skyline. The left side captures the full approach sequence over Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
Flown MLE to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Male to New York is 8,713 miles (14,022 km), a flight of about 16 hours 15 minutes.
Arabian Sea, Arabian Peninsula coastline (Oman), Persian Gulf region, Caucasus Mountains (distant), Black Sea, Eastern Europe plains, Atlantic Ocean crossing, Greenland ice sheet (southern tip), Canadian Maritime provinces, US East Coast
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from MLE
RIGHTRight side seats face northwest over the Indian Ocean and the Maldivian archipelago during initial climb. You'll see the atoll chains spreading across shallow turquoise waters, with Male city and the airport islands visible directly below before banking north.

Landing at JFK
LEFTLeft side seats offer the best views during approach to JFK. You'll see the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and the approach path over Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways before landing on the eastern runways.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Male International (MLE) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Male to New York. While takeoff offers excellent atoll scenery on the right, the landing approach into JFK on the left provides more dramatic and iconic views of New York's geography and skyline. The left side captures the full approach sequence over Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
What can I see during takeoff from Male International in Male?
During takeoff from Male International (MLE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side seats face northwest over the Indian Ocean and the Maldivian archipelago during initial climb. You'll see the atoll chains spreading across shallow turquoise waters, with Male city and the airport islands visible directly below before banking north. Notable sights include: Male city and airport islands, Maldivian atoll chains (North and South Male Atolls), Indian Ocean, reef structures in shallow lagoons.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats offer the best views during approach to JFK. You'll see the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and the approach path over Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways before landing on the eastern runways. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Hudson River, East River and Brooklyn, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula and Atlantic barrier islands.
How long is the flight from Male to New York?
The flight from Male International (MLE) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 16 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,713 miles (14,022 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Male to New York flight path pass over?
Arabian Sea, Arabian Peninsula coastline (Oman), Persian Gulf region, Caucasus Mountains (distant), Black Sea, Eastern Europe plains, Atlantic Ocean crossing, Greenland ice sheet (southern tip), Canadian Maritime provinces, US East Coast