Right side scores higher due to superior landing approach scenery (coastal Balikpapan Bay, Makassar Strait, mangrove transition) which outweighs a comparable takeoff experience. The cruise phase over Borneo's interior rainforest is visually similar on both sides, but the arrival sequence on the right provides distinctive tropical maritime and industrial coastal views that left side (inland rainforest) cannot match.
Flown DEL to BPN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Delhi to Balikpapan is 3,343 miles (5,380 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
Kalimantan's interior rainforest canopy (dense, uniform green with river systems visible as dark threads), the Kapuas River system in western Borneo, scattered cumulus clouds over equatorial forest, occasional clearings from logging or settlements appearing as brown patches, the transition from Borneo's interior to coastal lowlands as the aircraft descends toward Balikpapan
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEL
RIGHTRight side captures Delhi's urban sprawl and the Yamuna River valley during initial climb. Left side faces inland toward flat Haryana plains with minimal visual interest during departure.
Landing at BPN
RIGHTRight side (southwest approach to runway 25) offers views of Balikpapan's coastal setting, the Makassar Strait, and the transition from ocean to mangrove-fringed shoreline. Left side faces inland toward dense rainforest with minimal distinguishing features during descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (BPN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to Balikpapan. Right side scores higher due to superior landing approach scenery (coastal Balikpapan Bay, Makassar Strait, mangrove transition) which outweighs a comparable takeoff experience. The cruise phase over Borneo's interior rainforest is visually similar on both sides, but the arrival sequence on the right provides distinctive tropical maritime and industrial coastal views that left side (inland rainforest) cannot match.
What can I see during takeoff from Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
During takeoff from Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Delhi's urban sprawl and the Yamuna River valley during initial climb. Left side faces inland toward flat Haryana plains with minimal visual interest during departure. Notable sights include: Yamuna River winding through Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport complex, Delhi city grid extending south and east, Aravalli Hills distant to the south.
What can I see when landing at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport in Balikpapan?
When landing at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (BPN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (southwest approach to runway 25) offers views of Balikpapan's coastal setting, the Makassar Strait, and the transition from ocean to mangrove-fringed shoreline. Left side faces inland toward dense rainforest with minimal distinguishing features during descent. Notable sights include: Makassar Strait with shipping traffic, Balikpapan Bay's curved coastline, mangrove forests and tidal flats, oil and gas industrial facilities near the airport.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Balikpapan?
The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (BPN) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,343 miles (5,380 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Delhi to Balikpapan flight path pass over?
Kalimantan's interior rainforest canopy (dense, uniform green with river systems visible as dark threads), the Kapuas River system in western Borneo, scattered cumulus clouds over equatorial forest, occasional clearings from logging or settlements appearing as brown patches, the transition from Borneo's interior to coastal lowlands as the aircraft descends toward Balikpapan