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MAD → DXB
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Dubai International Airport (Dubai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the Mediterranean's most iconic islands and a high-probability view of the Dubai skyline, including the Burj Khalifa, during the descent into DXB.
Balearic Islands
Clear views of Ibiza and Mallorca shortly after leaving the Spanish coast.
Mount Etna
The towering silhouette of Europe's most active volcano on Sicily.
Greek Archipelago
A mosaic of blue water and white-washed islands across the Aegean Sea.
Persian Gulf
Turquoise waters filled with tankers, oil rigs, and artificial islands.
Dubai Shoreline
Iconic views of the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah during the final approach.
For the best experience, book a window seat on the right side for a daytime flight. You will pass the Balearic Islands roughly 45 minutes after takeoff. Ensure your camera is ready during the final 20 minutes of the flight; as the plane banks over the Persian Gulf for its approach into DXB, the right side typically captures the full scale of the Dubai skyline and the World Islands. Summer haze can occasionally obscure the ground, making late autumn and winter the best seasons for crystal-clear photography.
Taurus Mountains
Stunning views of the rugged, snow-dusted peaks in southern Turkey.
Central Italy
Distant views of the Italian peninsula and the outskirts of Rome.
Mesopotamian Basin
The winding paths of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers through Iraq.
Zagros Mountains
The incredible folded rock formations of the Iranian plateau.
The left side is preferable for avoiding direct sunlight glare during daytime eastbound flights. It offers the most dramatic views of the Turkish highlands and the unique geology of Western Asia. For night flights, this side provides better views of the dense city lights of Southern Europe and the Middle East.
Distance: 5,649 km (3,510 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 39 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Route Type: International
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