While left offers better Melbourne departure views, right side dominates the longer majority of the flight path over the Indian subcontinent, including the Aravalli Hills and Yamuna River approach to Delhi. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown MEL to DEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Delhi is 6,332 miles (10,191 km), a flight of about 13 hours 20 minutes.
Indian Ocean (crossing between Australia and Indian subcontinent), Western Ghats mountains (visible during approach to Indian airspace), Deccan Plateau (flat, arid terrain across central India), Ganges River basin (visible during descent into northern India), scattered cities across the Indus-Gangetic Plain
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTLeft side offers views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northwest. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at DEL
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Yamuna River, Delhi's urban sprawl, and the Aravalli Hills during descent into IGI. Left side faces less distinctive agricultural plains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Delhi. While left offers better Melbourne departure views, right side dominates the longer majority of the flight path over the Indian subcontinent, including the Aravalli Hills and Yamuna River approach to Delhi. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northwest. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate southwest), Dandenong Ranges (southeast, receding), Melbourne CBD skyline (south), Western suburbs sprawl (west).
What can I see when landing at Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
When landing at Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Yamuna River, Delhi's urban sprawl, and the Aravalli Hills during descent into IGI. Left side faces less distinctive agricultural plains. Notable sights include: Yamuna River (meandering through Delhi), Aravalli Hills (southeast, low ridge), Delhi urban grid (extensive city blocks), Indus-Gangetic Plain (flat terrain extending west).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Delhi?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL) takes about 13 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,332 miles (10,191 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Delhi flight path pass over?
Indian Ocean (crossing between Australia and Indian subcontinent), Western Ghats mountains (visible during approach to Indian airspace), Deccan Plateau (flat, arid terrain across central India), Ganges River basin (visible during descent into northern India), scattered cities across the Indus-Gangetic Plain