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CGN destination photo
FNC destination photo

CGNFNC

Which side of the plane to sit from Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne) to Madeira Airport (Funchal)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is the clear winner for this route. It offers a continuous view of the European coastline from France down to Portugal, and provides the most dramatic panorama of Funchal's volcanic landscape during the iconic approach into Madeira Airport.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌲

Eifel & Ardennes

Rolling green hills and dense forests immediately after takeoff from CGN.

🏰

Loire Valley

Geometric patterns of French farmland and occasional glimpses of historic chateaus.

🌊

Galician Rias

The rugged, fjord-like coastline of northwestern Spain as you cross into the Atlantic.

🇵🇹

Portuguese Coast

Distant views of Porto and Lisbon's urban sprawl against the deep blue sea.

🏝️

Desertas Islands

Three uninhabited, reddish volcanic islands visible just before the final turn to Funchal.

⛰️

Funchal Amphitheater

Spectacular views of the city's red roofs climbing up the steep volcanic slopes.

Choose the left side for the iconic arrival. If the plane lands on Runway 05, you will get a front-row seat to the 'Funchal turn,' where the aircraft flies parallel to the cliffs before banking hard. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind the aircraft, illuminating the Portuguese coast and the island perfectly.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🏙️

Belgian Border

Views of the Meuse river and the industrial heritage of the Wallonia region.

🏖️

Brittany Coast

The westernmost tip of France with its white-capped waves and rocky outcrops.

🐋

Bay of Biscay

Vast expanse of the Atlantic, excellent for spotting sun glint on the water.

⛱️

Porto Santo

The Golden Isle with its 9km sandy beach, often the first land seen after the ocean crossing.

✈️

Runway 05 Approach

A unique view of the airport's massive support pillars during the final seconds of landing.

The right side is better for viewing the vastness of the Atlantic and the northern coastline of Madeira if the approach is from the north. It also offers a technical view of the airport's engineering during touchdown. Wear sunglasses for afternoon flights to combat the glare from the ocean.

Top Activities in Funchal
Route Information

Distance: 2,806 km (1,744 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 44 min

Departure: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)

Arrival: FNC (32.697899, -16.7745)

Route Type: International

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