While takeoff favors the left with Panama City and the bay, the right side wins overall thanks to the more dramatic Madrid approach, where the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains and the city skyline both come into clear view during descent, adding more visual variety across the full flight.
Flown PTY to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Madrid is 5,068 miles (8,157 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Caribbean Sea north of Colombia and Venezuela, then traverses the open Atlantic Ocean for several hours with no land visible until the Iberian Peninsula's coastline appears near the descent into Spain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PTY
LEFTDeparting PTY on runway 03 (northeast heading), the climbing right turn brings Panama City's skyline and the curving shoreline of the Bay of Panama into view on the left side, along with the Pacific coastline receding behind the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter Caribbean lowlands with less definition.
Landing at MAD
RIGHTIn Madrid's typical north-configuration approach, aircraft descend from the south over the plains of La Mancha and Toledo before turning onto final; from the right side passengers see Madrid's dense city skyline and the Manzanares corridor pass by, with the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains rising on the horizon ahead. The left side faces mostly open, featureless plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Madrid. While takeoff favors the left with Panama City and the bay, the right side wins overall thanks to the more dramatic Madrid approach, where the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains and the city skyline both come into clear view during descent, adding more visual variety across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PTY on runway 03 (northeast heading), the climbing right turn brings Panama City's skyline and the curving shoreline of the Bay of Panama into view on the left side, along with the Pacific coastline receding behind the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter Caribbean lowlands with less definition. Notable sights include: Panama City skyline, Bay of Panama, Panama Canal entrance channel, Pacific coastline.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. In Madrid's typical north-configuration approach, aircraft descend from the south over the plains of La Mancha and Toledo before turning onto final; from the right side passengers see Madrid's dense city skyline and the Manzanares corridor pass by, with the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains rising on the horizon ahead. The left side faces mostly open, featureless plateau. Notable sights include: Madrid skyline and Torre skyline cluster, Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, Jarama river valley, Barajas terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Madrid?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,068 miles (8,157 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Madrid flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Caribbean Sea north of Colombia and Venezuela, then traverses the open Atlantic Ocean for several hours with no land visible until the Iberian Peninsula's coastline appears near the descent into Spain.