The left side dominates during the long cruise phase, tracking past the Caucasus, the Zagros and Hindu Kush ranges, and finally the Himalayan foothills on approach to Delhi, offering far more dramatic and varied mountain scenery than the mostly flat terrain and desert visible on the right.
Flight Path
Eastern Turkey and the western Caucasus/Zagros mountain zone near the Iran-Turkey border, with the Caspian Sea's southern shore visible to the north of the flight path
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTDeparting LHR to the west before turning north and then east, the right side of the aircraft faces south toward London during the climbing turn, giving a brief but genuine view of the Thames and the city skyline before the plane settles onto its eastbound track.
Landing at DEL
LEFTOn the descent into Delhi from the northwest, the left side of the aircraft faces north, offering views over the Yamuna floodplain and, on clear days, the distant snow-capped line of the Himalayan foothills beyond the Indo-Gangetic plain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Delhi. The left side dominates during the long cruise phase, tracking past the Caucasus, the Zagros and Hindu Kush ranges, and finally the Himalayan foothills on approach to Delhi, offering far more dramatic and varied mountain scenery than the mostly flat terrain and desert visible on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LHR to the west before turning north and then east, the right side of the aircraft faces south toward London during the climbing turn, giving a brief but genuine view of the Thames and the city skyline before the plane settles onto its eastbound track. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, Wembley Stadium arch, central London skyline.
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 the descent into Delhi from the northwest, the left side of the aircraft faces north, offering views over the Yamuna floodplain and, on clear days, the distant snow-capped line of the Himalayan foothills beyond the Indo-Gangetic plain. Notable sights include: Yamuna River, Delhi's dense urban sprawl, Aravalli Ridge, distant Himalayan foothills.
How long is the flight from London to Delhi?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL) takes 8h 35m.
What does the London to Delhi flight path pass over?
Eastern Turkey and the western Caucasus/Zagros mountain zone near the Iran-Turkey border, with the Caspian Sea's southern shore visible to the north of the flight path