While takeoff offers excellent Hong Kong harbor views on the right, the landing approach into Madrid provides more sustained and dramatic scenery on the left with the Guadarrama Mountains and Spanish plateau. The left side captures the geographical transition into central Spain more effectively than the right captures the departure from Hong Kong.
Flown HKG to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Madrid is 6,528 miles (10,506 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Peninsula (Oman and UAE coastlines visible), the Persian Gulf region, and continues northwest over Iran, Turkey, and the Mediterranean. Notable midpoint features include the Strait of Hormuz, the Zagros Mountains in Iran, Anatolia's plateau in Turkey, and the Mediterranean coastline approaching southern Spain. The Pyrenees Mountains may be visible during the final approach to the Iberian Peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the dramatic Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Hong Kong. The urban sprawl and water features are most prominent on the right during the initial climb phase.
Landing at MAD
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Madrid. The approach from the northeast brings the Guadarrama Mountains and the Spanish plateau into view on the left, with the sprawling Madrid metropolitan area visible ahead and to the left as the aircraft descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Madrid. While takeoff offers excellent Hong Kong harbor views on the right, the landing approach into Madrid provides more sustained and dramatic scenery on the left with the Guadarrama Mountains and Spanish plateau. The left side captures the geographical transition into central Spain more effectively than the right captures the departure from Hong Kong.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Hong Kong. The urban sprawl and water features are most prominent on the right during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peninsula, New Territories mountains, Hong Kong Island skyline.
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 offer the best views during descent into Madrid. The approach from the northeast brings the Guadarrama Mountains and the Spanish plateau into view on the left, with the sprawling Madrid metropolitan area visible ahead and to the left as the aircraft descends. Notable sights include: Guadarrama Mountains, Spanish Central Plateau (Meseta), Tagus River valley, Madrid urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Madrid?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,528 miles (10,506 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Madrid flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Peninsula (Oman and UAE coastlines visible), the Persian Gulf region, and continues northwest over Iran, Turkey, and the Mediterranean. Notable midpoint features include the Strait of Hormuz, the Zagros Mountains in Iran, Anatolia's plateau in Turkey, and the Mediterranean coastline approaching southern Spain. The Pyrenees Mountains may be visible during the final approach to the Iberian Peninsula.