The right side wins overall because the Delhi departure offers genuinely iconic urban geography including India Gate and the Yamuna River, and during the cruise the right side faces generally south-southeast, giving views over the Bay of Bengal coastline and eventually the South China Sea approaches. The Manila landing view from the left is excellent but the right side's departure scenery and mid-flight coastal views of the Andaman Sea and Malay Peninsula tip the balance.
Flown DEL to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Delhi to Manila is 2,966 miles (4,773 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The route tracks southeast from Delhi across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, then over the Bay of Bengal avoiding the Andaman Islands to the south, crossing the Strait of Malacca region or passing north of it depending on routing, then over the South China Sea before descending toward Luzon. Key features include the vast flat Bay of Bengal with occasional storm cell activity, the Malay Peninsula coastline if routing passes near it, and the South China Sea's deep blue open water with scattered shipping traffic visible as tiny white wakes on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEL
RIGHTIGI typically departs eastward on runway 29/11 or 28/10. A right-side seat during an eastward departure gives you views over central Delhi including Connaught Place, India Gate, and the Yamuna River as the aircraft banks southeast toward the flight path. Left side faces northwest toward the outskirts.
Landing at MNL
LEFTNAIA approaches typically come in from the north or northwest over Manila Bay on runway 06/24. A left-side seat on approach from the northwest gives a direct view over Manila Bay, the Pasig River delta, and the Manila city waterfront including Roxas Boulevard and the Intramuros district.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to Manila. The right side wins overall because the Delhi departure offers genuinely iconic urban geography including India Gate and the Yamuna River, and during the cruise the right side faces generally south-southeast, giving views over the Bay of Bengal coastline and eventually the South China Sea approaches. The Manila landing view from the left is excellent but the right side's departure scenery and mid-flight coastal views of the Andaman Sea and Malay Peninsula tip the balance.
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 typically departs eastward on runway 29/11 or 28/10. A right-side seat during an eastward departure gives you views over central Delhi including Connaught Place, India Gate, and the Yamuna River as the aircraft banks southeast toward the flight path. Left side faces northwest toward the outskirts. Notable sights include: India Gate and Rajpath axis, Yamuna River, Old Delhi dense urban grid, Noida satellite city sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAIA approaches typically come in from the north or northwest over Manila Bay on runway 06/24. A left-side seat on approach from the northwest gives a direct view over Manila Bay, the Pasig River delta, and the Manila city waterfront including Roxas Boulevard and the Intramuros district. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Roxas Boulevard waterfront, Laguna de Bay (large lake to the southeast), Pasig River.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Manila?
The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,966 miles (4,773 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Delhi to Manila flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast from Delhi across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, then over the Bay of Bengal avoiding the Andaman Islands to the south, crossing the Strait of Malacca region or passing north of it depending on routing, then over the South China Sea before descending toward Luzon. Key features include the vast flat Bay of Bengal with occasional storm cell activity, the Malay Peninsula coastline if routing passes near it, and the South China Sea's deep blue open water with scattered shipping traffic visible as tiny white wakes on clear days.