It can happen anywhere but is usually in relation to a certain waypoint etc. The best holding pattern would be one out of the way of other planes. The link shows aviation maps for the US to give you an idea of all the jetways they would likely be trying to avoid had the pattern been in the US http://www.iflightplanner.com/AviationCharts/
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I think it happens when they are not allowed to land. Mumbai is a pretty crowded airport tbh.
Yes, but I thought the holding pattern would commence once the flight is directly over - or close to - the airport.?
It can happen anywhere but is usually in relation to a certain waypoint etc. The best holding pattern would be one out of the way of other planes. The link shows aviation maps for the US to give you an idea of all the jetways they would likely be trying to avoid had the pattern been in the US http://www.iflightplanner.com/AviationCharts/