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MAD → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic entry into Panama, featuring the breathtaking Guna Yala archipelago and the northern engineering works of the Panama Canal.
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Castilian Plateau
Rugged landscapes of the Spanish Meseta shortly after departing Madrid.
Atlantic Horizon
Deep blue ocean views for the majority of the transatlantic crossing.
San Blas Islands
The stunning turquoise waters and white sand cays of the Guna Yala region.
Gatun Lake
The massive man-made lake that forms a key part of the Panama Canal system.
Chagres National Park
Lush, dense tropical rainforests surrounding the canal zone.
This side is superior for the arrival phase into Panama. Since the flight travels west, the sun will be on the left (south) side for much of the journey; keep your window shade down during the mid-Atlantic portion to avoid glare and cabin heat. As you descend over the Caribbean, look out for the tiny coral islands of San Blas.
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Sierra de Guadarrama
Mountainous terrain north of Madrid visible during the initial climb.
Caribbean Archipelagos
Distant views of the Greater Antilles depending on the specific flight path.
Panama City Skyline
The 'Dubai of Latin America' skyscrapers visible during the final turn.
Bridge of the Americas
The iconic bridge connecting the two landmasses over the Pacific entrance.
Pacific Anchorage
A fleet of massive cargo ships waiting to enter the canal from the south.
The right side is ideal for travelers wanting to avoid direct sunlight for most of the flight, which is better for photography. During the approach to Tocumen, if the aircraft circles from the south, you will get a spectacular view of the modern skyline and the ships anchored in the Pacific.
Book Hotels in Panama CityDistance: 8,157 km (5,069 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 36 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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