Colombo to Chennai
1h 13m The flight from Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) covers 647 km (402 miles) and takes approximately 1h 13m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads north on an initial great-circle bearing of 3°, passing near 10.1° N, 80.0° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 1h 11m | 1h 36m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 50m | 1h 15m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 43m | 1h 08m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 46m | 1h 11m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| CMB | MAA | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport | Chennai International Airport |
| City | Colombo | Chennai |
| Country | Sri Lanka | India |
| ICAO | VCBI | VOMM |
| Coordinates | 7.1808, 79.8841 | 12.99, 80.1693 |
| Elevation | 30 ft | 52 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Colombo to Chennai?
A non-stop flight from Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA) takes about 1h 13m. The great-circle distance is 647 km (402 miles, 349 nautical miles), flying north on an initial bearing of 3°.
How far is Colombo from Chennai?
647 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 402 miles or 349 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between CMB and MAA?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 647 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.