Delhi to London flight path: DEL to LCY

Sit on the right side of the plane

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time9h 15m
Distance4,160
Heading316° → 260°
Best side
RightMostly right

The right side captures the most dramatic scenery during takeoff (Yamuna River and Delhi's urban extent), while the left side during landing offers equally compelling Thames views. However, the takeoff sequence from Delhi provides more sustained visual interest over a longer period, making right-side seats the overall preference for this route.

Flown DEL to LCY? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Delhi to London is 4,160 miles (6,696 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey), the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus, and the Alps near the Swiss-Italian border. Over the Middle East, you'll pass near the Zagros Mountains (Iran-Iraq border region). The Caucasus Mountains are visible to the north if flying that route variant. The Danube River becomes visible during the approach to central Europe. Most of this midpoint scenery is visible from either side depending on exact routing, but right-side seats typically offer better views of the Mediterranean crossing and Alpine approaches.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Delhi (right side) — Yamuna River, Delhi urban area, Aravalli Hills (distant southwest), Indus-Gangetic Plain

Takeoff from DEL

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer views of the Yamuna River and Delhi's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the river's distinctive curves and the city's grid pattern receding below.

Yamuna RiverDelhi urban areaAravalli HillsIndus-Gangetic Plain
DEL Indira Gandhi InternationalHub for IndiGo, Air India, Vistara
Aerial window seat view during landing at London (left side) — River Thames with Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf district, Central London skyline, Greenwich Peninsula

Landing at LCY

LEFT

Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into London City Airport. You'll see the Thames' distinctive meanders, the Isle of Dogs, and central London's landmarks as you approach from the east.

River Thames with Isle of DogsCanary Wharf districtCentral London skylineGreenwich Peninsula
LCY CityHub for British Airways CityFlyer

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 City (LCY)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to London. The right side captures the most dramatic scenery during takeoff (Yamuna River and Delhi's urban extent), while the left side during landing offers equally compelling Thames views. However, the takeoff sequence from Delhi provides more sustained visual interest over a longer period, making right-side seats the overall preference for this route.

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 seats offer views of the Yamuna River and Delhi's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the river's distinctive curves and the city's grid pattern receding below. Notable sights include: Yamuna River, Delhi urban area, Aravalli Hills (distant southwest), Indus-Gangetic Plain.

What can I see when landing at City in London?

When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into London City Airport. You'll see the Thames' distinctive meanders, the Isle of Dogs, and central London's landmarks as you approach from the east. Notable sights include: River Thames with Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf district, Central London skyline, Greenwich Peninsula.

How long is the flight from Delhi to London?

The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to City (LCY) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,160 miles (6,696 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Delhi to London flight path pass over?

The flight path crosses the Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey), the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus, and the Alps near the Swiss-Italian border. Over the Middle East, you'll pass near the Zagros Mountains (Iran-Iraq border region). The Caucasus Mountains are visible to the north if flying that route variant. The Danube River becomes visible during the approach to central Europe. Most of this midpoint scenery is visible from either side depending on exact routing, but right-side seats typically offer better views of the Mediterranean crossing and Alpine approaches.