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VKO → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Vnukovo International Airport (Moscow) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for this route as it offers breathtaking vistas of the Swiss and French Alps, the Mediterranean coastline of Southern France, and a spectacular crossing of the high Pyrenees mountains into Spain.
Moscow Outskirts
Aerial views of the sprawling southern suburbs of Moscow and the transition into the Russian countryside.
The Alps
On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the Swiss and French Alps are visible as the flight traverses Central Europe.
Gulf of Lion
The sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline of Southern France near Montpellier.
Pyrenees Range
A dramatic crossing of the rugged mountain border between France and Spain, featuring deep valleys and jagged peaks.
Castile Landscapes
The golden-brown plains of the Meseta Central and historic Spanish towns as the plane descends toward Madrid.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun while enjoying the most mountainous scenery. This side provides the best angle for spotting the Alps mid-flight. Keep your camera ready about 45 minutes before landing for the Pyrenees crossing, which is the visual highlight of the trip.
North European Plain
Vast stretches of agricultural land and dense forests across Belarus and Poland.
German Urban Hubs
Passing over or near major German metropolitan areas like Berlin or Frankfurt depending on the specific air corridor.
Paris Basin
The distinct geometric patterns of the French countryside surrounding the greater Paris region.
Bay of Biscay
Views of the Atlantic coastline and the rugged cliffs of the Basque Country and Cantabria.
Sierra de Guadarrama
The beautiful mountain range north of Madrid, often used as a waypoint for the final approach into Barajas Airport.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the Atlantic horizon. During the final approach into Madrid, the right side often gets a great view of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. If the flight path stays northern, you might catch glimpses of the French Atlantic coast.
Distance: 3,402 km (2,114 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs
Departure: VKO (55.591499328599994, 37.2615013123)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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