The left side wins overall because it captures the scenic Mumbai coastal departure and, more importantly, the long cruise phase over Iran's Zagros Mountains, the Anatolian plateau of Turkey, and the Alpine foothills of central Europe, all of which sit south of the great-circle track and are visible on the left. The right side spends most of cruise over the featureless steppe of southern Russia and Ukraine.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses southern Iran near the Zagros Mountains and the Dasht-e Kavir desert, then continues over eastern Turkey's Anatolian plateau before heading into southeastern Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOM
LEFTDeparting BOM, the climb-out and turn onto the northbound track put Mumbai's coastline, the Arabian Sea, and the city's harbor area on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter inland suburbs of Mumbai with less visual contrast.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTStandard easterly approach into Heathrow on runway 27 typically tracks west along the Thames corridor south of central London, putting the City, Canary Wharf, and the river on the right side of the cabin during descent. The left side mostly shows suburban Essex and Surrey rooftops with less distinctive scenery.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bombay to London. The left side wins overall because it captures the scenic Mumbai coastal departure and, more importantly, the long cruise phase over Iran's Zagros Mountains, the Anatolian plateau of Turkey, and the Alpine foothills of central Europe, all of which sit south of the great-circle track and are visible on the left. The right side spends most of cruise over the featureless steppe of southern Russia and Ukraine.
What can I see during takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Bombay?
During takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BOM, the climb-out and turn onto the northbound track put Mumbai's coastline, the Arabian Sea, and the city's harbor area on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter inland suburbs of Mumbai with less visual contrast. Notable sights include: Mumbai coastline and Arabian Sea, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai harbor and Elephanta Island area, city skyline of South Mumbai.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Standard easterly approach into Heathrow on runway 27 typically tracks west along the Thames corridor south of central London, putting the City, Canary Wharf, and the river on the right side of the cabin during descent. The left side mostly shows suburban Essex and Surrey rooftops with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: River Thames and Canary Wharf towers, City of London skyline, Thames Estuary, patchwork of London suburbs.
How long is the flight from Bombay to London?
The flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 9h15m.
What does the Bombay to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses southern Iran near the Zagros Mountains and the Dasht-e Kavir desert, then continues over eastern Turkey's Anatolian plateau before heading into southeastern Europe.