The landing view into Chennai is geographically superior—the Bay of Bengal, Pulicat Lake, and Coromandel Coast provide dramatic, distinctive visual landmarks. The takeoff from Toronto is pleasant but less remarkable. Left-side seats capture the most compelling geography on both legs.
Flown YTZ to MAA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Madras is 8,318 miles (13,386 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Atlantic (Newfoundland coast visible on departure), passes over the UK/Ireland airspace, crosses continental Europe (Alps visible on clear days), traverses the Mediterranean or Middle East (Suez Canal region or Arabian Peninsula depending on routing), crosses the Arabian Sea, and approaches the Indian subcontinent over the Bay of Bengal. The most visually distinctive midpoint feature is the Alps (if routed north of Mediterranean) or the Suez Canal and Red Sea (if routed south). The Arabian Sea crossing offers open water for 6-8 hours with occasional glimpses of the Indian coast approaching Chennai.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
RIGHTYTZ typically departs eastbound (Runway 09/27 favors 09 for eastbound traffic). Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario's eastern basin and the Greater Toronto Area sprawl. Left seats face inland toward the Canadian Shield, which is forested and less visually distinctive during climb-out.
Landing at MAA
LEFTMAA (Chennai) uses Runways 06/24, with westbound arrivals typically on 24. Left-side seats during descent offer unobstructed views of the Bay of Bengal, Pulicat Lake (a major coastal lagoon), and the Coromandel Coast's distinctive geography. Right seats face inland toward the Deccan Plateau interior, which is less visually dramatic.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Chennai International (MAA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Madras. The landing view into Chennai is geographically superior—the Bay of Bengal, Pulicat Lake, and Coromandel Coast provide dramatic, distinctive visual landmarks. The takeoff from Toronto is pleasant but less remarkable. Left-side seats capture the most compelling geography on both legs.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. YTZ typically departs eastbound (Runway 09/27 favors 09 for eastbound traffic). Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario's eastern basin and the Greater Toronto Area sprawl. Left seats face inland toward the Canadian Shield, which is forested and less visually distinctive during climb-out. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (immediate south), Toronto Islands (southeast), Scarborough Bluffs (east shoreline), Don River valley (west of climb path).
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. MAA (Chennai) uses Runways 06/24, with westbound arrivals typically on 24. Left-side seats during descent offer unobstructed views of the Bay of Bengal, Pulicat Lake (a major coastal lagoon), and the Coromandel Coast's distinctive geography. Right seats face inland toward the Deccan Plateau interior, which is less visually dramatic. Notable sights include: Bay of Bengal (south and west), Pulicat Lake (lagoon system north of airport), Coromandel Coast (rocky shoreline), Chennai city sprawl (inland, northeast).
How long is the flight from Toronto to Madras?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Chennai International (MAA) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,318 miles (13,386 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Madras flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Atlantic (Newfoundland coast visible on departure), passes over the UK/Ireland airspace, crosses continental Europe (Alps visible on clear days), traverses the Mediterranean or Middle East (Suez Canal region or Arabian Peninsula depending on routing), crosses the Arabian Sea, and approaches the Indian subcontinent over the Bay of Bengal. The most visually distinctive midpoint feature is the Alps (if routed north of Mediterranean) or the Suez Canal and Red Sea (if routed south). The Arabian Sea crossing offers open water for 6-8 hours with occasional glimpses of the Indian coast approaching Chennai.