While left wins on takeoff, right provides superior landing views of Delhi's geography and the Aravalli Hills. The landing experience is more visually rewarding for this route, making right the better overall choice.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Indian subcontinent westward. Notable features include the Deccan Plateau (visible as elevated terrain with sparse vegetation), the Western Ghats mountain range in western India (dramatic escarpment visible from altitude), major river systems including the Godavari and Krishna rivers in central India, and the transition from tropical vegetation to drier plains as the aircraft approaches northern India. The flight typically passes south of Mumbai and over central Indian states before turning north toward Delhi.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWU
LEFTLeft side offers views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the Nepean River valley as the aircraft climbs westward from Bankstown. Right side faces inland suburbs with less distinctive geography.
Landing at DEL
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Yamuna River, Delhi's urban sprawl, and the approach over the Aravalli Hills to the south and east. Left side faces the flatter plains north of Delhi with fewer distinctive landmarks during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Delhi. While left wins on takeoff, right provides superior landing views of Delhi's geography and the Aravalli Hills. The landing experience is more visually rewarding for this route, making right the better overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
During takeoff from Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the Nepean River valley as the aircraft climbs westward from Bankstown. Right side faces inland suburbs with less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour and coastal inlets, Blue Mountains (western escarpment), Nepean River valley, Parramatta and western Sydney sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
When landing at Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Yamuna River, Delhi's urban sprawl, and the approach over the Aravalli Hills to the south and east. Left side faces the flatter plains north of Delhi with fewer distinctive landmarks during descent. Notable sights include: Yamuna River and its meanders through Delhi, Aravalli Hills (eastern and southern ridges), Delhi's urban grid and major districts, Indira Gandhi International Airport complex.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Delhi?
The flight from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL) takes Approximately 8.5 to 9.5 hours.
What does the Sydney to Delhi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian subcontinent westward. Notable features include the Deccan Plateau (visible as elevated terrain with sparse vegetation), the Western Ghats mountain range in western India (dramatic escarpment visible from altitude), major river systems including the Godavari and Krishna rivers in central India, and the transition from tropical vegetation to drier plains as the aircraft approaches northern India. The flight typically passes south of Mumbai and over central Indian states before turning north toward Delhi.