The right side wins overall because the long cruise segment across Afghanistan, Iran, and eastern Turkey reveals the Hindu Kush, the Alborz range, and the Ararat/Caucasus borderlands with glimpses of the Black Sea coast — a richer and more varied stretch of terrain than the flatter Iranian plateau seen from the left, even though the left side gets the better Alpine finale into Zurich.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, the Alborz and Zagros ranges of Iran, the Lake Van and Mount Ararat region of eastern Turkey, and skirts the southern edge of the Black Sea before continuing over the Carpathian foothills toward Central Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEL
RIGHTDeparting DEL on runway 29 heading west, the right side looks north over Delhi's northern suburbs and the Yamuna floodplain, and on exceptionally clear winter days passengers can catch a hazy silhouette of the distant Himalayan foothills on the horizon. The left side mostly shows the flatter Gurugram sprawl and low Aravalli ridgeline, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTOn the standard runway 28 approach into Zurich from the east, the left side faces south toward Lake Zurich and the pre-Alpine foothills, giving a strong finale with the Swiss Alps rising on the horizon. The right side mostly overlooks the flatter, less distinctive countryside north of the city.
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 Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to Zurich. The right side wins overall because the long cruise segment across Afghanistan, Iran, and eastern Turkey reveals the Hindu Kush, the Alborz range, and the Ararat/Caucasus borderlands with glimpses of the Black Sea coast — a richer and more varied stretch of terrain than the flatter Iranian plateau seen from the left, even though the left side gets the better Alpine finale into Zurich.
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. Departing DEL on runway 29 heading west, the right side looks north over Delhi's northern suburbs and the Yamuna floodplain, and on exceptionally clear winter days passengers can catch a hazy silhouette of the distant Himalayan foothills on the horizon. The left side mostly shows the flatter Gurugram sprawl and low Aravalli ridgeline, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Yamuna River, Delhi's northern districts, distant Himalayan foothills (clear days only), Indo-Gangetic plain farmland.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard runway 28 approach into Zurich from the east, the left side faces south toward Lake Zurich and the pre-Alpine foothills, giving a strong finale with the Swiss Alps rising on the horizon. The right side mostly overlooks the flatter, less distinctive countryside north of the city. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Swiss Alps foothills (Rigi and Pilatus visible in the distance), Zurich city edge, Limmat River.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Zurich?
The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Zurich (ZRH) takes 7h 45m.
What does the Delhi to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, the Alborz and Zagros ranges of Iran, the Lake Van and Mount Ararat region of eastern Turkey, and skirts the southern edge of the Black Sea before continuing over the Carpathian foothills toward Central Europe.