LEMD Madrid Barajas runways and takeoff data

Runways at LEMD

The main direction is a set of two parallel runways (18R/36L and 18L/36R) on 181/001° true. The parallel pair 14R/32L and 14L/32R lies 37° off that axis and is the crosswind option when the wind blows across the main runways.

Lengths run from 3,500 m on 18L/36R to 4,350 m on 18R/36L, a difference of 850 m.

Displaced thresholds: 18R 985 m, 32L 1,050 m, 32R 500 m, 18L 500 m. A displaced threshold shortens the landing distance from that end, not the takeoff run.

Example takeoff performance

Flap setting, assumed temperature (FLEX) and V1/VR/V2 in knots for an A320ceo at 70 t and a 737-800 at 72 t, from the start of each runway of at least 1,800 m. Conditions are a standard day so runway length and airport elevation are what change: ISA temperature at the runway elevation, QNH 1013, calm wind, dry, no obstacles.

Runway length shows in the numbers: from 18R (4,350 m) the A320 example uses CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 56 °C, while 14L (3,500 m) needs CONF 1+F and 55 °C, so less thrust reduction.

At 1,998 ft the air is thinner than at sea level, even with the standard-day temperature down to 11 °C. On 18R the A320 example takes CONF 1+F and 56 °C; the same 4,350 m runway at sea level would allow CONF 1+F and 61 °C. That gap is the thrust reduction the elevation takes away.

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 46 °C from 18R (4,350 m). The limiting end is 36R (3,500 m), which needs CONF 2 with an assumed temperature of 44 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.

The A320 V2 values include improved climb: with a long runway and a high assumed temperature, V2 is raised above its minimum so the one-engine climb gradient still holds. That is why V2 runs higher on the longer runways.

Where the 737-800 assumed temperature is marked max it sits on the FCOM maximum; elsewhere the runway or the climb gradient sets it. Where flaps 5 does not fit, the example takes the optimum flap instead.

An illustration for flight simulation, not for real-world operations. Your own numbers depend on weight, weather, runway condition, intersection and obstacles; SkyNexus computes them from your SimBrief plan and the live METAR. See the A320 performance calculator and the 737-800 performance calculator for how it works.

Nearby airports

• LEBL Barcelona261 NM
• LPPT Lisbon277 NM
• LEPA Palma de Mallorca296 NM
• LFMN Nice516 NM

All airports

LEMD questions

How long is the longest runway at LEMD?

Runway 18R/36L at Madrid Barajas is 4,350 m (14,271 ft) long and 60 m wide, surfaced in asphalt.

What is the elevation of Madrid Barajas?

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport sits at 1,998 ft above sea level. Elevation lowers air density, which raises true airspeed at a given V-speed and lengthens the takeoff run, so it matters for performance.

Which flap setting does an A320 use for takeoff at LEMD?

In our reference example (70 t, ISA, calm wind, dry runway, full length) the A320 uses CONF 1+F here. On a real day the answer moves with weight, temperature, wind and the runway condition; SkyNexus works it out from your SimBrief flight plan and the live METAR.

Which runway at LEMD limits a heavy A320 takeoff?

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 46 °C from 18R (4,350 m). The limiting end is 36R (3,500 m), which needs CONF 2 with an assumed temperature of 44 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.