The great-circle route from Istanbul to Delhi tracks east-southeast across northern Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, keeping the Alborz Mountains, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan foothills consistently on the northern (left) side of the aircraft for most of the flight, culminating in a mountain-backed approach into Delhi.
Flown IST to DEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Delhi is 2,838 miles (4,567 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
Alborz Mountains and southern Caspian Sea coast in northern Iran, the arid Dasht-e Kavir desert, and the Hindu Kush range along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDepartures from Istanbul typically bank south over the Sea of Marmara before turning east, putting the historic peninsula, Bosphorus strait, and Princes' Islands on the right side of the aircraft. It's a brief but strikingly urban and maritime view before the route heads inland.
Landing at DEL
LEFTOn approach into Delhi from the northwest, the aircraft descends with the Himalayan foothills and, on exceptionally clear days, distant snow-capped peaks visible off the left side before the flat Indo-Gangetic plain takes over closer to landing. This is the last and best mountain view of the flight.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Delhi. The great-circle route from Istanbul to Delhi tracks east-southeast across northern Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, keeping the Alborz Mountains, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan foothills consistently on the northern (left) side of the aircraft for most of the flight, culminating in a mountain-backed approach into Delhi.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures from Istanbul typically bank south over the Sea of Marmara before turning east, putting the historic peninsula, Bosphorus strait, and Princes' Islands on the right side of the aircraft. It's a brief but strikingly urban and maritime view before the route heads inland. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn/Old City skyline, Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
When landing at Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Delhi from the northwest, the aircraft descends with the Himalayan foothills and, on exceptionally clear days, distant snow-capped peaks visible off the left side before the flat Indo-Gangetic plain takes over closer to landing. This is the last and best mountain view of the flight. Notable sights include: Himalayan foothills, Yamuna River plain, Delhi's urban sprawl, Aravalli hill remnants.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Delhi?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,838 miles (4,567 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Delhi flight path pass over?
Alborz Mountains and southern Caspian Sea coast in northern Iran, the arid Dasht-e Kavir desert, and the Hindu Kush range along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border