While takeoff favors the right for Western Ghats views, the landing approach to Sydney is dramatically superior—Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Blue Mountains provide far more iconic and visually distinctive geography than Mumbai's departure. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown BOM to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bombay to Sydney is 6,312 miles (10,159 km), a flight of about 12 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then the Indian Ocean. Notable waypoints include the Maldive Islands (visible on some routes as small atolls), the equator crossing, and the Chagos Archipelago region. The Indian Ocean crossing offers little visible geography at cruise altitude—mostly open ocean with occasional weather systems. As the aircraft approaches Australian airspace, the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef region may be visible on northern routes, though this flight typically tracks further south. The final approach into Sydney crosses the Tasman Sea and the New South Wales coast near the Blue Mountains inland.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOM
RIGHTBOM typically departs eastbound (Runway 09L/09R). Right-side seats face toward the Arabian Sea initially, then the Western Ghats as the aircraft climbs. Left seats see the sprawl of Mumbai and industrial areas inland.
Landing at SYD
LEFTSYD typically lands westbound (Runway 16L/16R). Left-side seats during approach see Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the city's eastern beaches. Right seats face inland toward western suburbs and lack distinctive geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bombay to Sydney. While takeoff favors the right for Western Ghats views, the landing approach to Sydney is dramatically superior—Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Blue Mountains provide far more iconic and visually distinctive geography than Mumbai's departure. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Bombay?
During takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM), sit on the Right side for the best views. BOM typically departs eastbound (Runway 09L/09R). Right-side seats face toward the Arabian Sea initially, then the Western Ghats as the aircraft climbs. Left seats see the sprawl of Mumbai and industrial areas inland. Notable sights include: Arabian Sea (immediate offshore), Western Ghats mountain range (eastern horizon during climb), Mumbai harbor and islands, Thane Creek estuary.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. SYD typically lands westbound (Runway 16L/16R). Left-side seats during approach see Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the city's eastern beaches. Right seats face inland toward western suburbs and lack distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour with Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Blue Mountains (western horizon), Tasman Sea, Northern Beaches headlands.
How long is the flight from Bombay to Sydney?
The flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 12 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,312 miles (10,159 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bombay to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then the Indian Ocean. Notable waypoints include the Maldive Islands (visible on some routes as small atolls), the equator crossing, and the Chagos Archipelago region. The Indian Ocean crossing offers little visible geography at cruise altitude—mostly open ocean with occasional weather systems. As the aircraft approaches Australian airspace, the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef region may be visible on northern routes, though this flight typically tracks further south. The final approach into Sydney crosses the Tasman Sea and the New South Wales coast near the Blue Mountains inland.