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Route turbulence forecast

Delhi Dubai

Turbulence forecast for flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Mountain-wave sensitive route
Distance
2,184 km
1,179 nm
Typical duration
3h 18m
Ground-speed estimate
Cruise
FL370
37,000 ft
Jet stream
Moderate — partial jet exposure

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

Live status with real-time delays and cancellations.

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What to expect on this route

Westbound (usually into prevailing winds) · Great-circle bearing -95°

The route crosses mid-latitudes where the polar jet can influence flight conditions, though exposure is shorter than on genuine long-haul crossings. 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

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)

DELDXB turbulence FAQ

Is the Delhi to Dubai flight usually bumpy?

Most of the 2,184 km route sits in the subtropical band with moderate 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 DXB 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 DXB?

Block time is usually around 3h 18m direct, cruising at approximately FL370 (37,000 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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