Madrid to East London is 5,461 miles (8,789 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
While takeoff favors the right for Sierra de Guadarrama views, the longer descent and approach phase into Madrid provides more sustained viewing time on the left side. The left also captures the dramatic mountain range during the critical descent phase when passengers are most attentive.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea (south of Spain), passes over North Africa (Algeria and Morocco regions), crosses the Atlas Mountains (visible as a distinct range), continues over the Sahara Desert with occasional oasis settlements, then transitions over West Africa with the Niger River valley visible in Mali/Mauritania region, before reaching the Atlantic coast of Senegal/Mauritania. The southern portion crosses into sub-Saharan Africa with increasing vegetation and river systems (Orange River valley visible approaching South Africa), finally descending over the Eastern Cape plateau toward East London on the Indian Ocean coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
RIGHTMadrid-Barajas typically departs runways 32L/32R (northwest heading) or 01L/01R (northeast heading). Right-side seats offer views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the north and northwest, which rises distinctly above the Madrid plateau during climb-out. Left seats face the flat central Spanish meseta with fewer dramatic features.
Landing at ELS
LEFTArriving aircraft typically use runways 32L/32R or 01L/01R. Left-side seats during descent into Madrid offer views of the Sierra de Guadarrama and the approach path over the northern suburbs and the Manzanares River valley. Right seats face the southern meseta with fewer distinctive features during the final approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to East London (ELS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to East London. While takeoff favors the right for Sierra de Guadarrama views, the longer descent and approach phase into Madrid provides more sustained viewing time on the left side. The left also captures the dramatic mountain range during the critical descent phase when passengers are most attentive.
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 runways 32L/32R (northwest heading) or 01L/01R (northeast heading). Right-side seats offer views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the north and northwest, which rises distinctly above the Madrid plateau during climb-out. Left seats face the flat central Spanish meseta with fewer dramatic features. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (north/northwest), Madrid city sprawl (directly below during initial climb), Manzanares River valley (southeast of airport), Toledo region (south, visible as terrain rises).
What can I see when landing at East London in East London?
When landing at East London (ELS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving aircraft typically use runways 32L/32R or 01L/01R. Left-side seats during descent into Madrid offer views of the Sierra de Guadarrama and the approach path over the northern suburbs and the Manzanares River valley. Right seats face the southern meseta with fewer distinctive features during the final approach. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (north, prominent during descent), Manzanares River (visible as green corridor through suburbs), Madrid northern suburbs (Alcalá de Henares region), Toledo plateau (distant south).
How long is the flight from Madrid to East London?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to East London (ELS) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,461 miles (8,789 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to East London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea (south of Spain), passes over North Africa (Algeria and Morocco regions), crosses the Atlas Mountains (visible as a distinct range), continues over the Sahara Desert with occasional oasis settlements, then transitions over West Africa with the Niger River valley visible in Mali/Mauritania region, before reaching the Atlantic coast of Senegal/Mauritania. The southern portion crosses into sub-Saharan Africa with increasing vegetation and river systems (Orange River valley visible approaching South Africa), finally descending over the Eastern Cape plateau toward East London on the Indian Ocean coast.