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Route turbulence forecast

Delhi Cairo

Turbulence forecast for flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Cairo International Airport (CAI).

Jet-stream + mountain-wave corridor
Distance
4,403 km
2,377 nm
Typical duration
5h 37m
Ground-speed estimate
Cruise
FL390
39,000 ft
Jet stream
High — long mid-latitude crossing

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Get a segment-by-segment turbulence forecast for any scheduled flight from DEL to CAI, with live wind and pilot reports.

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What to expect on this route

Westbound (usually into prevailing winds) · Great-circle bearing -76°

Jet-stream exposure on this corridor is significant. Long mid-latitude legs mean clear-air turbulence is the dominant source of bumps, typically encountered at cruise altitude. The route crosses or passes near the Himalayas, which can generate mountain-wave turbulence downwind when upper-level winds are strong. Westbound aircraft typically fly against the prevailing winds, adding flight time. Captains often pick altitudes that avoid the strongest headwinds, which can also mean picking cleaner-air altitudes.

Mountain crossings
Himalayas
Ocean / water segments
Indian Ocean · Mediterranean

Seasonal turbulence pattern

Wind flowing over the Himalayas can generate mountain-wave turbulence that extends hundreds of kilometres downwind — most pronounced in the northern winter (Nov–Mar), when upper-level winds are strongest.

Peak turbulence
November–March (Northern Hemisphere winter)
Typically calmest
Late spring to early autumn (May–September)

DELCAI turbulence FAQ

Is the Delhi to Cairo flight usually bumpy?

Most of the 4,403 km route sits in the subtropical band with high jet-stream exposure. Historically that means occasional clear-air turbulence at cruise altitude is normal, especially in winter. Mountain-wave effects near the Himalayas add short bumpy stretches when upper-level winds are strong.

When is the best time to fly DEL to CAI for a smooth flight?

Statistically, Late spring to early autumn (May–September) sees the calmest conditions for this corridor. Within any season, morning departures see less convective (thunderstorm-driven) turbulence than afternoon flights.

How long is the flight from DEL to CAI?

Block time is usually around 5h 37m direct, cruising at approximately FL390 (39,000 ft). Actual duration varies with winds — tailwinds can shave 15–30 minutes, headwinds can add 30+ minutes on this westbound sector.

How accurate is Turbcast's forecast for this route?

We use live NOAA Aviation Weather Center pilot reports (PIREPs), SIGMETs and AIRMETs, layered with physics-based Ellrod and Richardson-number calculations from Open-Meteo pressure-level wind and temperature data. If a source is unavailable for a waypoint we show an em dash rather than invent a value.

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