While left offers excellent Manila Bay views at takeoff, right provides the more dramatic and sustained scenery during the critical landing phase over Madrid's mountains and urban landscape. The landing views are more visually rewarding and memorable.
Flown MNL to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manila to Madrid is 7,240 miles (11,652 km), a flight of about 13 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Peninsula (Oman and Saudi Arabia deserts visible), the Persian Gulf, Iraq's Tigris-Euphrates valley, Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Mediterranean Sea, and southern Spain's coastal ranges before reaching Madrid. Notable visible features include: the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert in southern Saudi Arabia appearing as vast tan dunes; the Zagros Mountains along Iran's western border; Anatolia's high plateau with scattered lakes; the Mediterranean coastline near southern Spain with the Strait of Gibraltar visible on clear days; and the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain before reaching the Meseta Central plateau where Madrid sits.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of Manila Bay and the Cordillera Central mountain range as the aircraft climbs northwest. Right side faces inland terrain with less distinctive visual features during initial climb.
Landing at MAD
RIGHTRight side provides superior views during approach to Madrid. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and right-side seats face the Guadarrama Mountains and the sprawling urban grid of Madrid itself, including the Manzanares River valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Madrid. While left offers excellent Manila Bay views at takeoff, right provides the more dramatic and sustained scenery during the critical landing phase over Madrid's mountains and urban landscape. The landing views are more visually rewarding and memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of Manila Bay and the Cordillera Central mountain range as the aircraft climbs northwest. Right side faces inland terrain with less distinctive visual features during initial climb. Notable sights include: Manila Bay (immediate foreground), Cordillera Central (northern horizon), Laguna de Bay (southeast), Sierra Madre range (east).
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides superior views during approach to Madrid. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and right-side seats face the Guadarrama Mountains and the sprawling urban grid of Madrid itself, including the Manzanares River valley. Notable sights include: Guadarrama Mountains (north and northeast), Madrid urban sprawl and street grid (center), Manzanares River valley (south), Sierra de Gredos (distant southeast horizon).
How long is the flight from Manila to Madrid?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 13 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,240 miles (11,652 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Madrid flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Peninsula (Oman and Saudi Arabia deserts visible), the Persian Gulf, Iraq's Tigris-Euphrates valley, Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Mediterranean Sea, and southern Spain's coastal ranges before reaching Madrid. Notable visible features include: the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert in southern Saudi Arabia appearing as vast tan dunes; the Zagros Mountains along Iran's western border; Anatolia's high plateau with scattered lakes; the Mediterranean coastline near southern Spain with the Strait of Gibraltar visible on clear days; and the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain before reaching the Meseta Central plateau where Madrid sits.