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LAD destination photo
MAD destination photo

LADMAD

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic Sahara interior, including the volcanic massifs of Algeria and the final approach over the Spanish Sierras.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌳

Congo Basin Edge

The dense green canopy of the northern Congolese and Gabonese rainforests during the early cruise phase.

🌋

Ahaggar Mountains

Stunning volcanic peaks and prehistoric rock formations rising from the desert floor in southern Algeria.

🏜️

Tassili n'Ajjer

A vast plateau featuring 'forests of rock' and unique sandstone erosions visible from high altitude.

🔵

Mediterranean Crossing

The transition from the golden sands of the Maghreb to the deep turquoise of the Mediterranean Sea.

🏔️

Sierra de Guadarrama

Rugged mountain views north of Madrid during the descent into Barajas Airport.

This side is best for seeing the most rugged parts of the Sahara. On daytime flights, use the window shade periodically to manage the intense desert sun. During the descent into MAD, this side often provides a great view of the airport's distinctive Terminal 4 architecture.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Luanda Bay & Atlantic

Immediate views of the Angolan capital's harbor and the vast South Atlantic coastline upon takeoff.

🌴

Gulf of Guinea Coast

Aerial perspectives of the West African tropical coastline and the Niger Delta if the flight path tracks westward.

⏳

Grand Erg Occidental

Endless rolling orange sand dunes of the western Algerian Sahara stretching toward the horizon.

⛰️

High Atlas Mountains

Snow-capped peaks of the Moroccan Atlas ranges visible in the distance during the transition to Europe.

🥘

Andalusia & Seville

Entry into Spanish airspace over the Guadalquivir valley and the historic landscapes of southern Spain.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. This side is ideal for seeing the sunset over the Atlantic if you are on a late afternoon departure. Keep an eye out for the Strait of Gibraltar as you leave Africa.

Top Activities in Madrid
Route Information

Distance: 5,750 km (3,573 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 46 min

Departure: LAD (-8.858369999999999, 13.2312)

Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)

Route Type: International

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