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MAD → BLQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (Bologna)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a superior panoramic view of the rugged Pyrenees mountains, the stunning French Riviera coastline, and the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Maritime Alps before descending into Italy.
The Pyrenees Peaks
Witness the dramatic transition from Spain to France over the central Pyrenees, featuring jagged high-altitude ridges.
Golfe du Lion
A sweeping view of the French Mediterranean coastline, including the lagoons near Montpellier and the mouth of the Rhône.
Marseille & Côte d'Azur
Spectacular views of France's second-largest city and the glamorous coastline stretching toward Nice and Monaco.
Maritime Alps
An incredible perspective of where the Alps meet the sea, showing off massive peaks often covered in snow during winter and spring.
The Po Valley
The final approach offers a view across the fertile plains of northern Italy with the distant Dolomites visible on clear days.
For the best experience, choose a seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. The Pyrenees appear approximately 35 minutes after takeoff. If flying during the afternoon, the sun will be behind the aircraft, providing perfectly front-lit views of the French coastline and the Alps without glare.
Spanish Meseta
Aerial views of the arid, golden landscapes of the Ebro Valley and the rugged terrain of northeastern Spain.
Ligurian Sea
As the plane crosses from France to Italy, enjoy deep blue Mediterranean vistas stretching toward Corsica.
Port of Genoa
A bird's-eye view of Italy's largest commercial seaport and the colorful urban sprawl of the Ligurian capital.
Northern Apennines
During the descent into Bologna, look for the rolling green ridges and medieval villages nestled in the Apennine range.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct southern sunlight. Watch for the Italian coastline around Genoa as the aircraft turns inland toward Bologna. During the winter, the Apennines are frequently dusted with snow, making the final 15 minutes of the flight particularly scenic.
Distance: 1,296 km (805 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 44 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: BLQ (44.5354, 11.2887)
Route Type: International
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