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FNC โ AMS
Which side of the plane to sit from Madeira Airport (Funchal) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning departure sequence over Madeira's northern cliffs and follows the Atlantic coastline of Europe, providing views of the Galician rias and the French Brittany coast.
Porto Santo Island
Shortly after departure, view the golden beaches and volcanic peaks of Madeira's sister island to the north.
Galician Coastline
The rugged 'Rias' or coastal inlets of Northwest Spain offer a dramatic transition from the Atlantic ocean.
Brittany Peninsula
As you cross the Bay of Biscay, look for the jagged western tip of France and its numerous offshore islands.
English Channel
High-altitude views of the world's busiest shipping lanes between France and the United Kingdom.
Zeeland Delta
The intricate network of dams, bridges, and islands that make up the southwestern Dutch coastline.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Madeira coastline during a Runway 05 departure. During the day, the sun will be behind you or to the right, providing excellent lighting for photos of the Spanish and French coasts. Keep an eye out about 2 hours into the flight for the distinctive jagged coastline of Galicia.
Ponta de Sรฃo Lourenรงo
The dramatic easternmost peninsula of Madeira with its reddish volcanic soil and crashing waves.
Loire Valley
If the flight path tracks inland over France, look for the winding Loire river and its historic chateaus.
Antwerp and Brussels
Dense urban clusters and industrial ports visible as the aircraft begins its descent through Belgian airspace.
Rotterdam Port
One of the largest ports in the world, featuring massive container terminals and wind turbines.
Dutch Polders
The perfectly geometric reclaimed land and drainage canals characteristic of the approach into Schiphol.
The right side is better for seeing the eastern tip of Madeira immediately after takeoff. On approach to Amsterdam, if the wind is from the north, the right side often provides a great view of the city center during the 'Polderbaan' approach. Be aware that midday flights may experience significant sun glare on this side.
Distance: 2,784 km (1,730 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 43 min
Departure: FNC (32.697899, -16.7745)
Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Route Type: International
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