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Route turbulence forecast

Delhi Manila

Turbulence forecast for flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).

Mountain-wave sensitive route
Distance
4,773 km
2,577 nm
Typical duration
6h 03m
Ground-speed estimate
Cruise
FL390
39,000 ft
Jet stream
Minimal — short or tropical route

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

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What to expect on this route

Eastbound (generally tailwind-assisted) · Great-circle bearing 100°

This is a short or low-latitude sector, so clear-air turbulence from upper-level jets is rare. The route crosses or passes near the Himalayas, which can generate mountain-wave turbulence downwind when upper-level winds are strong. At tropical latitudes, convective turbulence from thunderstorms is the main driver — pilots generally route around storm cells, but afternoon/evening flights encounter more build-up than morning departures.

Mountain crossings
Himalayas
Ocean / water segments
Indian Ocean · North Pacific

Seasonal turbulence pattern

This corridor is most turbulent in the northern winter (Nov–Mar), when the jet stream is strongest and sits closer to the route. 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. At tropical latitudes, convective (thunderstorm-driven) turbulence dominates during regional wet seasons and monsoon cycles, typically worst in the afternoon and evening.

Peak turbulence
Regional wet season (varies by location)
Typically calmest
Dry season

DELMNL turbulence FAQ

Is the Delhi to Manila flight usually bumpy?

Most of the 4,773 km route sits in the tropical band with minimal jet-stream exposure. Historically that means most flights cruise in smooth air, with turbulence limited to short sectors near weather systems. 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 MNL for a smooth flight?

Statistically, Dry season 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 MNL?

Block time is usually around 6h 03m 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 eastbound 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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