While takeoff offers excellent gulf and mountain views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery with the Sierra de Guadarrama and the approach over Spain's interior plateau. The left side captures the visual climax of the journey as the aircraft descends toward Madrid.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then over the Arabian Peninsula (Oman and Saudi Arabia), the Red Sea, Egypt (Nile Delta visible on approach to North Africa), the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, and then across the Mediterranean toward southern Spain before turning north toward Madrid. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Nile Delta (distinctive fan-shaped delta visible from altitude), the Red Sea's narrow turquoise waters, and the Atlas Mountains of North Africa on the southern approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Persian Gulf coastline and the Hajar Mountains to the southeast as the aircraft climbs out. The contrast between the shallow turquoise gulf waters and the rugged mountain terrain creates strong visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at MAD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Spanish Meseta plateau and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains north of Madrid during descent. The approach path typically brings aircraft over central Spain's distinctive high plains and mountain ranges before turning toward Barajas.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Madrid. While takeoff offers excellent gulf and mountain views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery with the Sierra de Guadarrama and the approach over Spain's interior plateau. The left side captures the visual climax of the journey as the aircraft descends toward Madrid.
What can I see during takeoff from Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
During takeoff from Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Persian Gulf coastline and the Hajar Mountains to the southeast as the aircraft climbs out. The contrast between the shallow turquoise gulf waters and the rugged mountain terrain creates strong visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (shallow turquoise waters), Hajar Mountains (southeast), Abu Dhabi city grid (receding westward), Jebel Dhanna peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Spanish Meseta plateau and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains north of Madrid during descent. The approach path typically brings aircraft over central Spain's distinctive high plains and mountain ranges before turning toward Barajas. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (north of Madrid), Spanish Meseta plateau, Tagus River valley, Madrid city sprawl.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Barajas (MAD) takes Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Madrid flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then over the Arabian Peninsula (Oman and Saudi Arabia), the Red Sea, Egypt (Nile Delta visible on approach to North Africa), the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, and then across the Mediterranean toward southern Spain before turning north toward Madrid. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Nile Delta (distinctive fan-shaped delta visible from altitude), the Red Sea's narrow turquoise waters, and the Atlas Mountains of North Africa on the southern approach.