When is the Madrid to Recife route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the MAD to REC route?

The MAD–REC route is typically operated by Airbus A330 · Boeing 787. Airlines include LATAM, Iberia.

Is turbulence on MAD to REC dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MAD–REC route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my MAD to REC flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the MAD–REC route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

MAD to REC Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Madrid to Recife flight turbulent?

The MAD–REC route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MAD to REC?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A330 · Boeing 787, that's rows 22–38. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from MAD to REC?

The MAD to REC flight takes approximately 8h 00m, covering 4,142 miles (3,600 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet.

Is the Madrid to Recife flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

MAD

→

REC

Madrid · Recife · 8h 00m

Turb Score

8h 00m

Duration

3,600 nm

Distance

39,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MAD–REC

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h8h 00m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MAD–REC route

The Madrid to Recife route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 39,000 feet, the aircraft encounters the strongest bumps roughly 2–5 hours into the flight. This is clear-air turbulence — no clouds, no visual warning — which makes a pre-flight forecast especially valuable.

The route is served by LATAM, Iberia on Airbus A330 · Boeing 787 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 39,000 feet over a distance of 4,142 miles (3,600 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth.

Madrid to Recife Flight Time

How long is the flight from MAD to REC?

8h 00m

Flight Time

4,142 mi

Distance

39,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A330

Aircraft

The Madrid (MAD) to Recife (REC) flight takes approximately 8h 00m, covering 4,142 miles (3,600 nautical miles) at 39,000 feet. The route is operated by LATAM, Iberia. Return flights (REC to MAD) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on MAD–REC

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm

LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady

ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause

HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

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Best time to fly MAD–REC

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MAD–REC

Airbus A330

Front

Rows 1–21

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 22–38

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 39+

Rougher

Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

Porto Alegre → Recife

Light

See all transatlantic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

This was genuinely difficult for me. Real bumps for a long stretch over the Midwest, seatbelt sign on for what felt like forever. The flight attendants were calm which helped. Got through it.

Nervous flyer · June

Moderate turbulence on descent — the kind where you're glad you kept your seatbelt on. Lasted about 30-40 minutes, then smoothed out. I've had worse on transatlantic routes.

Frequent flyer · October

Flew this in April expecting smooth skies based on past experience, but it was noticeably bumpier than usual. About an hour of moderate chop. Seatbelt sign basically stayed on.

Regular traveler · April

All MAD routes→ All REC routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Madrid to Recife flight turbulent?

The MAD–REC route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 44/100.

When is turbulence worst on MAD to REC?

Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on MAD to REC?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A330 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 22–38. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from MAD to REC?

The MAD to REC flight takes approximately 8h 00m, covering 4,142 miles (3,600 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MAD to REC?

The main airlines operating this route are LATAM, Iberia, flying Airbus A330 · Boeing 787 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data