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MST destination photo
FAO destination photo

MSTFAO

Which side of the plane to sit from Maastricht Aachen Airport (Maastricht) to Faro Airport (Faro)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior mix of dramatic coastal views along the Bay of Biscay, the rugged Picos de Europa mountains, and the iconic aerial view of the Ria Formosa lagoons during the final approach into Faro.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Bay of Biscay

The deep blue expanse of the Atlantic meeting the western French coastline.

⛰️

Picos de Europa

Jagged limestone mountain ranges in Northern Spain often visible on the horizon.

🇵🇹

Alentejo Landscape

The rural charm of southern Portugal with its cork oak forests and traditional white-washed villages.

🏝️

Ria Formosa

A stunning labyrinth of salt pans, islands, and turquoise lagoons during the descent into FAO.

The right side is essential for the approach into Faro. Most flights land on Runway 28, meaning the right side gets a perfect view of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. For afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side, so window shades may be needed until the descent begins. Watch for the dramatic cliffs of the western Algarve if the plane loops over the ocean.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🇫🇷

Massic Central

View the extinct volcanoes and rolling green highlands of central France.

🏔️

Central Pyrenees

A high-altitude crossing over the snowy peaks marking the border between France and Spain.

🏰

Castilian Plateau

The vast, arid, and golden landscapes of central Spain's high plains.

💧

Guadiana River

The winding water border that separates the Spanish Huelva region from the Portuguese Algarve.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh direct sunlight of the southern trajectory. It offers better views of the Spanish interior and the transition from the Spanish plains to the Atlantic coast. Keep your eyes peeled for the distinct change in soil color as you enter the Algarve.

Top Activities in Faro
Route Information

Distance: 1,890 km (1,174 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 31 min

Departure: MST (50.911701, 5.7701400000000005)

Arrival: FAO (37.0144004822, -7.965909957889999)

Route Type: International

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