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MAD → JED
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior mix of Mediterranean island scenery, the dramatic contrast of the Nile Delta against the desert, and the rugged mountains of the Sinai Peninsula.
Balearic Islands
Clear aerial views of Ibiza and Mallorca shortly after reaching cruising altitude over the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean Panorama
Deep blue waters punctuated by passing cargo ships and the northern Tunisian coastline.
Nile Delta
A striking transformation from barren desert to the lush, vibrant green sprawl of Egypt's agricultural heartland.
Cairo & Pyramids
If the path permits, a distant view of the sprawling Egyptian capital and the Great Pyramids to the south.
Sinai Peninsula
Rugged, reddish-brown mountain ranges and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Suez.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see Cairo's urban sprawl. For daytime flights, this side avoids the direct southern sun glare, making photography easier. Look out for the Nile Delta transition—it is one of the most distinct geographic borders visible from the air.
Costa Blanca
Views of the high-rise skyline of Benidorm and the white sand beaches of southeastern Spain.
Sahara Sands
Endless expanses of the Libyan and Egyptian Sahara, featuring intricate dune patterns and rocky plateaus.
Eastern Desert
The harsh, mountainous terrain of eastern Egypt between the Nile River and the Red Sea.
The Nile Ribbon
A narrow band of life cutting through the desert, visible as the flight turns south-east toward the Hejaz.
Red Sea Transit
Viewing the shipping lanes and coral reefs along the Egyptian coast before the final descent into Jeddah.
The right side is ideal for desert enthusiasts; the play of light on the Saharan dunes is spectacular during the golden hour before sunset. Be prepared for high-contrast lighting. On arrival in Jeddah, you might catch a glimpse of the King Fahd Fountain if the approach is from the north.
Distance: 4,516 km (2,806 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 19 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: JED (21.6796, 39.156502)
Route Type: International
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