While left offers good takeoff scenery, right dominates the landing approach with Dubai's iconic coastal landmarks and the Persian Gulf. The landing views are more visually distinctive and memorable than the takeoff segment.
Flown MAD to DWC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Dubai is 3,513 miles (5,654 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean coast near Almería (Spain), then traverses North Africa over the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria, crosses the Sahara Desert with occasional visibility of salt lakes and oasis settlements, passes over Libya's coastal regions, and enters the Arabian Peninsula over the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert before descending toward the Persian Gulf coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the north and northwest of Madrid, visible during the initial climb-out. Right side faces toward the flat Meseta Central plateau with minimal visual interest.
Landing at DWC
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Persian Gulf coastline, Dubai's distinctive Palm Jumeirah artificial islands, and the Dubai Marina skyline during descent into Al Maktoum. Left side faces inland desert with minimal urban features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Dubai. While left offers good takeoff scenery, right dominates the landing approach with Dubai's iconic coastal landmarks and the Persian Gulf. The landing views are more visually distinctive and memorable than the takeoff segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the north and northwest of Madrid, visible during the initial climb-out. Right side faces toward the flat Meseta Central plateau with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (north), Madrid city sprawl (directly below during climb), Tagus River valley (southwest), Toledo region (south-southwest on horizon).
What can I see when landing at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai?
When landing at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Persian Gulf coastline, Dubai's distinctive Palm Jumeirah artificial islands, and the Dubai Marina skyline during descent into Al Maktoum. Left side faces inland desert with minimal urban features. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (coastline), Palm Jumeirah islands (artificial archipelago), Dubai Marina and downtown skyline, Jebel Ali port and industrial zone.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Dubai?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,513 miles (5,654 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Dubai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean coast near Almería (Spain), then traverses North Africa over the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria, crosses the Sahara Desert with occasional visibility of salt lakes and oasis settlements, passes over Libya's coastal regions, and enters the Arabian Peninsula over the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert before descending toward the Persian Gulf coast.