The left side wins overall because the Paris arrival view is genuinely spectacular and reliable — central Paris on approach is one of the best urban aerial views in the world. The right side wins at Delhi departure, but the left side's advantage at CDG is more dramatic and consistent, and during the cruise the left side also faces south toward the Hindu Kush and later the Alps on the horizon.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwest from Delhi over Pakistan's Punjab plains, then over Afghanistan and the Hindu Kush mountain range, crossing into Central Asia over Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea. It then passes over the Caucasus region, the Black Sea northern coast, Ukraine and Poland, before descending into France. The Hindu Kush and Caucasus ranges are the most visually dramatic features at cruise altitude, appearing as heavily snow-capped ridgelines on the horizon.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEL
RIGHTIGI Airport's primary departure runway 28/29 sends aircraft westward, putting the right (north) side toward central Delhi. You get a clear view over Connaught Place, the Red Fort area, and the dense urban grid of Old Delhi as the aircraft climbs and banks northwest.
Landing at CDG
LEFTCDG typically uses runways 26L/26R or 27L/27R for westerly landings, meaning the approach comes from the east over the Paris basin. The left (south) side gives you the best view of central Paris — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann street grid — as the aircraft descends over the eastern suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to Paris. The left side wins overall because the Paris arrival view is genuinely spectacular and reliable — central Paris on approach is one of the best urban aerial views in the world. The right side wins at Delhi departure, but the left side's advantage at CDG is more dramatic and consistent, and during the cruise the left side also faces south toward the Hindu Kush and later the Alps on the horizon.
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. IGI Airport's primary departure runway 28/29 sends aircraft westward, putting the right (north) side toward central Delhi. You get a clear view over Connaught Place, the Red Fort area, and the dense urban grid of Old Delhi as the aircraft climbs and banks northwest. Notable sights include: Red Fort and Old Delhi, Connaught Place central business district, Yamuna River snaking east of the city, Lutyen's Delhi government buildings.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically uses runways 26L/26R or 27L/27R for westerly landings, meaning the approach comes from the east over the Paris basin. The left (south) side gives you the best view of central Paris — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann street grid — as the aircraft descends over the eastern suburbs. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, Seine River curving through central Paris, La Défense business district towers to the west, Bois de Boulogne.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Paris?
The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What does the Delhi to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Delhi over Pakistan's Punjab plains, then over Afghanistan and the Hindu Kush mountain range, crossing into Central Asia over Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea. It then passes over the Caucasus region, the Black Sea northern coast, Ukraine and Poland, before descending into France. The Hindu Kush and Caucasus ranges are the most visually dramatic features at cruise altitude, appearing as heavily snow-capped ridgelines on the horizon.