Male to London flight pathMLELCY

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time10h 00m
Distance5,284
Heading322° → 280°

Male to London is 5,284 miles (8,504 km), a flight of about 10 hours.

Best side
RightMostly right

Right side wins for takeoff views of the Maldivian atoll system, which is the most visually distinctive part of this route. While landing offers good Thames views on either side, the takeoff scenery is more dramatic and unique.

Takeoff · MLERIGHTNorth Male Atoll lagoon system, South Male Atoll to the south, Indian Ocean horizon
Landing · LCYLEFTThames estuary and river bends, Canary Wharf and City of London skyline, Greenwich Peninsula

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, passes over or near the Arabian Peninsula (Oman coast visible on some routing), then over the Levant region, Mediterranean Sea (southern coast of Greece or Cyprus depending on exact routing), and into European airspace over Italy or the Balkans before reaching the UK. The Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Suez Canal region may be visible depending on the specific flight corridor chosen by air traffic control. Major cities like Dubai, Baghdad, or Istanbul may appear as distant urban clusters depending on routing.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Male (right side) — North Male Atoll lagoon system, South Male Atoll to the south, Indian Ocean horizon, Male city and airport infrastructure

Takeoff from MLE

RIGHT

Right side offers views of the atoll system and Indian Ocean immediately after departure. Male International sits on North Male Atoll, and climbing out northeastward or eastward gives clear views of the turquoise lagoons and surrounding atolls before heading northwest toward the Middle East and Europe.

North Male Atoll lagoon systemSouth Male Atoll to the southIndian Ocean horizonMale city and airport infrastructure
Aerial window seat view during landing at London (left side) — Thames estuary and river bends, Canary Wharf and City of London skyline, Greenwich Peninsula, North Downs hills in the distance

Landing at LCY

LEFT

Approaching London City from the southeast, left-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary, the City of London skyline, and Canary Wharf before final descent. The river's meandering path and urban density provide strong visual landmarks during approach.

Thames estuary and river bendsCanary Wharf and City of London skylineGreenwich PeninsulaNorth Downs hills in the distance

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Male International (MLE) to City (LCY)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Male to London. Right side wins for takeoff views of the Maldivian atoll system, which is the most visually distinctive part of this route. While landing offers good Thames views on either side, the takeoff scenery is more dramatic and unique.

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 offers views of the atoll system and Indian Ocean immediately after departure. Male International sits on North Male Atoll, and climbing out northeastward or eastward gives clear views of the turquoise lagoons and surrounding atolls before heading northwest toward the Middle East and Europe. Notable sights include: North Male Atoll lagoon system, South Male Atoll to the south, Indian Ocean horizon, Male city and airport infrastructure.

What can I see when landing at City in London?

When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching London City from the southeast, left-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary, the City of London skyline, and Canary Wharf before final descent. The river's meandering path and urban density provide strong visual landmarks during approach. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river bends, Canary Wharf and City of London skyline, Greenwich Peninsula, North Downs hills in the distance.

How long is the flight from Male to London?

The flight from Male International (MLE) to City (LCY) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,284 miles (8,504 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Male to London flight path pass over?

The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, passes over or near the Arabian Peninsula (Oman coast visible on some routing), then over the Levant region, Mediterranean Sea (southern coast of Greece or Cyprus depending on exact routing), and into European airspace over Italy or the Balkans before reaching the UK. The Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Suez Canal region may be visible depending on the specific flight corridor chosen by air traffic control. Major cities like Dubai, Baghdad, or Istanbul may appear as distant urban clusters depending on routing.