While takeoff favors the right, landing provides superior views of the Atlantic coastline and Dakar's distinctive peninsula geography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage, and left seats capture the most memorable portion of this coastal approach.
Flown MAD to DKR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Dakar is 1,967 miles (3,165 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Iberian Peninsula's southern edge, then traverses the Atlantic over open ocean. Notable geographic progression: Sierra Morena mountains (southern Spain, visible early in flight), Portuguese coast near Lagos (if slightly south of direct routing), then open Atlantic with no major landmarks until approaching the African coast. The Moroccan coast (Casablanca region) may be visible as a distant landmass on the right side during mid-flight if routing passes near it, though most direct routing stays well offshore. The final approach into Dakar brings the Senegal coast into view, with the distinctive peninsula geography becoming prominent in the last 30 minutes of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
RIGHTMadrid-Barajas typically departs runway 32L/32R (northwesterly heading). Right-side seats face toward the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range and the northern Madrid suburbs during initial climb, offering clear views of terrain elevation changes. Left seats face the flat southern plains with less visual interest.
Landing at DKR
LEFTDakar's Leopold Sedar Senghor airport uses runway 10/28 depending on wind. On approach from the northeast (typical routing from Europe), left-side seats face the Atlantic coastline, the Dakar peninsula, and the city's waterfront. Right seats face inland toward the Sahel savanna with minimal distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Leopold Sedar Senghor International (DKR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Dakar. While takeoff favors the right, landing provides superior views of the Atlantic coastline and Dakar's distinctive peninsula geography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage, and left seats capture the most memorable portion of this coastal approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Madrid-Barajas typically departs runway 32L/32R (northwesterly heading). Right-side seats face toward the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range and the northern Madrid suburbs during initial climb, offering clear views of terrain elevation changes. Left seats face the flat southern plains with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (distant peaks to the northwest), Madrid city sprawl (urban grid pattern below), Henares River valley (linear feature threading through terrain), Toledo plateau edge (subtle elevation change on southern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Leopold Sedar Senghor International in Dakar?
When landing at Leopold Sedar Senghor International (DKR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dakar's Leopold Sedar Senghor airport uses runway 10/28 depending on wind. On approach from the northeast (typical routing from Europe), left-side seats face the Atlantic coastline, the Dakar peninsula, and the city's waterfront. Right seats face inland toward the Sahel savanna with minimal distinctive features. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean (western boundary), Dakar peninsula and harbor (urban waterfront), Île de Gorée (small island visible offshore), Senegal River delta region (broader landscape feature to the south).
How long is the flight from Madrid to Dakar?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Leopold Sedar Senghor International (DKR) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,967 miles (3,165 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Dakar flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Iberian Peninsula's southern edge, then traverses the Atlantic over open ocean. Notable geographic progression: Sierra Morena mountains (southern Spain, visible early in flight), Portuguese coast near Lagos (if slightly south of direct routing), then open Atlantic with no major landmarks until approaching the African coast. The Moroccan coast (Casablanca region) may be visible as a distant landmass on the right side during mid-flight if routing passes near it, though most direct routing stays well offshore. The final approach into Dakar brings the Senegal coast into view, with the distinctive peninsula geography becoming prominent in the last 30 minutes of flight.