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PUJ → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Punta Cana International Airport (Punta Cana) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more dramatic entry into the European continent, featuring the rugged Galician coastline and the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains during the descent.
Bávaro Coastline
Aerial views of the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of Punta Cana immediately after takeoff.
North Atlantic Expanse
Deep blue ocean vistas and complex cloud formations during the trans-Atlantic crossing.
The Azores
Potential distant views of the northern islands of the Azores archipelago depending on the day's flight track.
Rías Baixas
The jagged, fjord-like inlets of the Galician coast as the plane makes landfall in Spain.
Picos de Europa
Dramatic limestone massifs and high mountain peaks visible during the early stages of the descent.
Old Castile
The golden-hued plains and medieval village layouts of the northern Meseta Central plateau.
Since this is typically an eastbound overnight flight, the left side stays in the shadow during the morning approach, reducing glare for photography. Look out about 60-90 minutes before landing to catch the transition from the Atlantic to the green landscapes of Northern Spain. If the flight path is northerly, the Azores are more likely to be visible on this side.
Saona Island
Views of the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean Sea transition.
Atlantic Sunrise
A front-row seat to the sun rising over the horizon during the final hours of the ocean crossing.
Portuguese Coast
The golden cliffs and beaches of the Alentejo or Algarve regions if the track is southerly.
Tagus River
The winding path of the Iberian Peninsula's longest river cutting through the dry central plains.
Sierra de Gredos
The rugged granite peaks south of the flight path as the aircraft approaches the Madrid region.
Madrid Metropolis
Panoramic views of the capital's skyline, including the Four Towers Business Area, if landing from the south.
The right side is perfect for witnessing the sunrise, though it can become quite bright and warm once the sun is up. It offers better views of Central Portugal and the Tagus valley. If the airport is using runways 32L/32R for arrivals, this side often provides a stunning view of the Madrid city center during the final bank.
Distance: 6,570 km (4,082 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 44 min
Departure: PUJ (18.567399978599997, -68.36340332030001)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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