While takeoff favors the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and sustained views of Lisbon's geography and the Tagus estuary—the most visually distinctive feature of this route. Right-side seats capture the approach descent better.
Flown PDL to LIS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ponta Delgada to Lisbon is 900 miles (1,449 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic northeast from the Azores, passing over open ocean with no significant landmarks. The approach to mainland Portugal brings views of the Portuguese coast near Setúbal, the Serra da Arrábida hills, and the Tagus estuary. The Berlengas Islands may be visible to the northwest during descent, though they're small and often missed. The flight remains over water for most of the journey, with the Tagus valley being the primary geographic feature of note on approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDL
LEFTPonta Delgada typically departs runway 33 (northwest heading). Left-side seats face the Atlantic immediately after takeoff, giving direct views of the São Miguel coastline and the volcanic terrain that defines the island's topography.
Landing at LIS
RIGHTLisbon typically lands runway 03 (north heading) or 01 (northeast heading). Right-side seats on approach offer views of the Tagus River estuary, the city's eastern districts, and the distinctive geography of the lower Tagus valley as you descend toward Humberto Delgado Airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon. While takeoff favors the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and sustained views of Lisbon's geography and the Tagus estuary—the most visually distinctive feature of this route. Right-side seats capture the approach descent better.
What can I see during takeoff from Ponta Delgada in Ponta Delgada?
During takeoff from Ponta Delgada (PDL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ponta Delgada typically departs runway 33 (northwest heading). Left-side seats face the Atlantic immediately after takeoff, giving direct views of the São Miguel coastline and the volcanic terrain that defines the island's topography. Notable sights include: Ponta Delgada harbor and waterfront, São Miguel's northern volcanic ridgeline, Atlantic Ocean extending northwest, Fenais da Ajuda valley to the west.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lisbon typically lands runway 03 (north heading) or 01 (northeast heading). Right-side seats on approach offer views of the Tagus River estuary, the city's eastern districts, and the distinctive geography of the lower Tagus valley as you descend toward Humberto Delgado Airport. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary and its wide delta, Lisbon's eastern urban sprawl (Parque das Nações district visible), the Serra da Arrábida hills to the south across the river, Montijo peninsula to the east.
How long is the flight from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon?
The flight from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 900 miles (1,449 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ponta Delgada to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic northeast from the Azores, passing over open ocean with no significant landmarks. The approach to mainland Portugal brings views of the Portuguese coast near Setúbal, the Serra da Arrábida hills, and the Tagus estuary. The Berlengas Islands may be visible to the northwest during descent, though they're small and often missed. The flight remains over water for most of the journey, with the Tagus valley being the primary geographic feature of note on approach.