Pune to Madras is 567 miles (913 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Right-side seats capture the dramatic Western Ghats departure scenery and provide better views during the mid-flight segment as the aircraft tracks south-southeast over the plateau and coastal plains. The takeoff views are more visually striking than the landing approach.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Deccan Plateau south of the Western Ghats, passing over the towns of Solapur and Vikarabad regions. The terrain transitions from plateau (elevation ~2,000 feet) to coastal plains as the aircraft approaches the Tamil Nadu coast. The Krishna River basin lies to the west of the direct track. No major mountain ranges are crossed after the initial Western Ghats departure; the route is predominantly over flat to gently rolling plateau and plains. The Pulicat Lake and lagoon system becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing as the aircraft descends toward Chennai.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PNQ
RIGHTPune typically departs runway 09/27 depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Western Ghats escarpment rising immediately south and east of the airport as the aircraft climbs. The terrain contrast between the Deccan Plateau and the mountain range is striking during initial climb.
Landing at MAA
LEFTChennai typically lands runway 06/24 depending on wind. Left-side seats during descent provide views of the Cooum River delta, the city's eastern coastal districts, and the Bay of Bengal approaching the airport from the north. The water and urban-to-coastal transition is visually distinctive.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pune (PNQ) to Chennai International (MAA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pune to Madras. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Western Ghats departure scenery and provide better views during the mid-flight segment as the aircraft tracks south-southeast over the plateau and coastal plains. The takeoff views are more visually striking than the landing approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Pune in Pune?
During takeoff from Pune (PNQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Pune typically departs runway 09/27 depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Western Ghats escarpment rising immediately south and east of the airport as the aircraft climbs. The terrain contrast between the Deccan Plateau and the mountain range is striking during initial climb. Notable sights include: Western Ghats (Sahyadri Range), Mula-Mutha River valley, Pune city sprawl to the northwest, Katraj Ghat pass visible as a notch in the ridge.
What can I see when landing at Chennai International in Madras?
When landing at Chennai International (MAA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Chennai typically lands runway 06/24 depending on wind. Left-side seats during descent provide views of the Cooum River delta, the city's eastern coastal districts, and the Bay of Bengal approaching the airport from the north. The water and urban-to-coastal transition is visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Cooum River delta and backwaters, Chennai city grid (Mylapore, Besant Nagar districts), Bay of Bengal coastline, Pulicat Lake to the north.
How long is the flight from Pune to Madras?
The flight from Pune (PNQ) to Chennai International (MAA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 567 miles (913 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pune to Madras flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Deccan Plateau south of the Western Ghats, passing over the towns of Solapur and Vikarabad regions. The terrain transitions from plateau (elevation ~2,000 feet) to coastal plains as the aircraft approaches the Tamil Nadu coast. The Krishna River basin lies to the west of the direct track. No major mountain ranges are crossed after the initial Western Ghats departure; the route is predominantly over flat to gently rolling plateau and plains. The Pulicat Lake and lagoon system becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing as the aircraft descends toward Chennai.