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MVD → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Carrasco International /General C L Berisso Airport (Montevideo) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the African coastline during the early morning hours, the crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar, and a picturesque approach over the historic landscapes of central Spain.
Rio de la Plata
Aerial view of the massive estuary and the Montevideo skyline immediately after takeoff from Carrasco.
Equatorial Atlantic
Observation of unique cloud formations and the deep blue of the mid-Atlantic as the flight heads northeast.
Moroccan Coastline
Dramatic views of the Northwest African coast where the Sahara meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Strait of Gibraltar
A clear view of the narrow waterway separating Africa from Europe, with the Pillars of Hercules visible.
Andalusian Countryside
The patchwork fields, olive groves, and white-washed villages of southern Spain as you head toward Madrid.
Toledo
The historic medieval city perched on a hill, often visible during the final descent into Barajas.
Since this is typically an overnight flight, the best views occur in the final 2-3 hours of the journey. Sunlight will hit the left side of the aircraft during the morning approach into Europe, providing excellent lighting for photos of the Moroccan coast and the Iberian Peninsula. Monitor the flight map for the crossing into Spanish airspace to see the Strait of Gibraltar.
Atlantic Sunrise
Unobstructed views of the sun rising over the horizon as the plane approaches the European continent.
Canary Islands
Distant views of the volcanic peaks of Lanzarote or Fuerteventura depending on the specific airway track.
Sahara Edges
The vast golden expanse of the Western Sahara desert visible under the morning light.
Sierra Morena
The rugged mountain range in southern Spain that marks the transition into the central plateau.
Madrid Outskirts
Views of the industrial and residential developments of the Henares Corridor during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for passengers who want to watch the sunrise without direct glare, as the sun rises to the east. Keep an eye out for the Canary Islands roughly 2.5 hours before landing. During the summer, the heat haze over the Sahara can be better observed from this side, though it is often further from the primary landmarks than the left side.
Distance: 9,947 km (6,181 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 42 min
Departure: MVD (-34.838402, -56.0308)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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