During cruise the great-circle path threads between Sardinia and Sicily, skims past Rhodes and the mountainous Turkish coastline, and crosses Cyprus before running down through the Syrian and Iraqi desert toward the Gulf — most of this landmark density sits to the north (left) of the aircraft. Combined with the dramatic coastal Abu Dhabi arrival, the left side offers far more variety than the right, which sees mostly open Mediterranean water followed by featureless desert.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Mediterranean between Sardinia and Sicily, passes near Rhodes and the southern Turkish coast, then continues over Cyprus and the deserts of Syria, Iraq, and northern Saudi Arabia before reaching the Persian Gulf coast near Abu Dhabi.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
RIGHTBarajas' predominant north configuration sends departures out to the southeast before turning east, putting Madrid's skyline and the Jarama valley directly on the right side during the initial climb. The left side mostly faces empty farmland toward the distant, often hazy Sierra de Guadarrama.
Landing at AUH
LEFTOn the approach into Abu Dhabi from the northwest, the final turn onto the runway puts the coastline, turquoise Gulf shallows, and the city's island developments on the left, while the right side only shows flat inland desert. This is the most visually rewarding stretch of the whole flight.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Abu Dhabi. During cruise the great-circle path threads between Sardinia and Sicily, skims past Rhodes and the mountainous Turkish coastline, and crosses Cyprus before running down through the Syrian and Iraqi desert toward the Gulf — most of this landmark density sits to the north (left) of the aircraft. Combined with the dramatic coastal Abu Dhabi arrival, the left side offers far more variety than the right, which sees mostly open Mediterranean water followed by featureless desert.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Barajas' predominant north configuration sends departures out to the southeast before turning east, putting Madrid's skyline and the Jarama valley directly on the right side during the initial climb. The left side mostly faces empty farmland toward the distant, often hazy Sierra de Guadarrama. Notable sights include: Madrid skyline and Cuatro Torres towers, Casa de Campo park, Jarama River valley, eastern Madrid suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into Abu Dhabi from the northwest, the final turn onto the runway puts the coastline, turquoise Gulf shallows, and the city's island developments on the left, while the right side only shows flat inland desert. This is the most visually rewarding stretch of the whole flight. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi city skyline, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, mangrove-lined coastline, turquoise Persian Gulf shallows.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes 6h 55m.
What does the Madrid to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Mediterranean between Sardinia and Sicily, passes near Rhodes and the southern Turkish coast, then continues over Cyprus and the deserts of Syria, Iraq, and northern Saudi Arabia before reaching the Persian Gulf coast near Abu Dhabi.