Aviators Love These Hot Spots
Some runways deliver more spectacle than the skies they serve. These airports pull in aviation enthusiasts worldwide with their uncommon aircraft and unbeatable sightlines. Thunderous cargo descents, low approaches over water, and nonstop international traffic make these 20 locations essential ground for anyone drawn to the art of flight.
1. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), St. Maarten
Aircraft descend almost 50 feet above sunbathers on Maho Beach before touching down on SXM’s short runway. The airport is a legendary spot for photographing wide-bodies skimming turquoise waves. The airport even installed a safety fence to avoid blast injuries to spotters.
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA
LAX has four parallel runways and heavy international traffic. In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard doubles as a viewing perch, drawing crowds for its clear views of 747s and Dreamliners. It is one of the busiest and most diverse hubs for planespotting.
David Aughinbaugh II on Wikimedia
3. London Heathrow Airport (LHR), UK
This is one of the world’s top international gateways, offering a constant parade of global carriers. Myrtle Avenue is a beloved viewing area directly under the approach to Runway 27L. Plane enthusiasts gather there to see rare liveries and aircraft from nearly every continent within hours.
4. Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland
Zurich takes planespotting seriously—with dedicated viewing terraces and a taxiway bridge that crosses a public road. Runway 14’s scenic forest backdrop makes it perfect for photos. The view is especially good for spotting Swiss International and frequent Lufthansa Group aircraft.
5. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Japan
Multiple observation decks at Haneda provide amazing views of domestic and international flights. The nighttime skyline of Tokyo adds drama to long-exposure shots. Domestic ANA and JAL fleets dominate, but early morning arrivals from Europe and North America are common in all the terminals.
6. Kansai International Airport (KIX), Japan
Built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, KIX offers a unique setting for planespotting. Its Sky View observation hall strategically overlooks runways. During golden hour, people enjoy catching international carriers like Emirates, Lufthansa, and Korean Air framed against the sea and skyline.
7. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), Australia
Shep’s Mound, near SYD’s north-south runway, offers unbeatable sightlines of approaching aircraft. The airport sees high traffic from Qantas and long-haul giants like Singapore Airlines. A mix of scenic approaches and rare aircraft makes it a top-tier site for Australian aviation fans.
8. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands
Planespotters flock to the Polderbaan runway, which has an elevated viewing platform. Schiphol’s six-runway layout means constant movement from airlines worldwide. During peak hours, you’ll spot KLM’s wide-body fleet and Delta transatlantic arrivals, visible from the spotter-friendly zones.
Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). on Wikimedia
9. Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC), USA
Anchorage isn’t just a cargo hub but a dream for aviation photographers. With FedEx and UPS refueling en route to Asia, ANC sees aircraft types rarely spotted elsewhere. Lake Hood Seaplane Base, adjacent to the airport, comes with bush planes and floatplane services.
10. Manchester Airport (MAN), UK
The Runway Visitor Park at Manchester includes raised platforms and a Concorde display. MAN handles a wide range of traffic, including holiday charters. Weekends often feature vintage aircraft fly-ins, and photography is popular year-round due to minimal obstruction and runway proximity.
11. Miami International Airport (MIA), USA
MIA is one of the top U.S. airports for catching Latin American and cargo planes. Tourists head to the El Dorado Furniture lot on NW 72nd Avenue for a clearer view. Be ready to spot rare South American carriers like Avianca El Salvador.
12. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany
Frankfurt’s dual runways and diverse airline roster make it a hotspot for European planespotting. The official Besucherterrasse (visitor terrace) provides excellent apron views and is open year-round. FRA also sees consistent traffic from Lufthansa’s intercontinental fleet, including the remaining 747- 8Is.
13. St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH), Switzerland
This tiny Swiss regional airport is famous for its Alps-backed views and private jet traffic. You can watch takeoffs and landings just yards from the runway, often featuring Embraer 170s and business aircraft. ACH is also the main base for People’s Airline.
14. Geneva Airport (GVA), Switzerland
Switzerland’s GVA surprises with its variety of airplanes and stunning backdrop. The Swissport car park gives you excellent viewpoints of commercial jets and private aircraft, especially during the World Economic Forum. People flock here in January to catch rare government aircraft and VIP airliners.
15. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), France
As Airbus’s main testing and delivery site, TLS offers access to aircraft that are not yet in service. Spotters often see A350s and the BelugaX. Viewing areas near the runway perimeter road give close-up access to freshly painted liveries before the planes are delivered worldwide.
16. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand
Suvarnabhumi’s sprawling layout hosts a constant flow of aircraft from Asia and the Middle East. An elevated spot on Lat Krabang Road provides an open view of landings on Runway 19R. You can catch Thai Airways' wide-bodies and Korean Air’s A380s during evening arrivals.
17. Cape Town International Airport (CPT), South Africa
This airport is framed by Table Mountain and has a visually dramatic backdrop. The General Aviation area allows close viewing of regional jets and international heavies. Seasonal arrivals from Europe, like British Airways and Lufthansa, make summer mornings particularly active.
18. Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT), Alaska, USA
The airport is wedged between the Pacific Ocean and rugged terrain, with foggy conditions that let you capture striking atmospheric images. Here, planes must approach over the water onto a short runway. Alaska Airlines’ 737s and Coast Guard C-130s are regulars.
19. Sao Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Brazil
This is South America’s busiest airport, which features raised perimeter roads with diverse perspectives. You’ll be amazed to see rare carriers like TAAG Angola, Ethiopian Airlines, and Boliviana. LATAM and Gol dominate the domestic scene, and Runway 09L offers good photo access.
20. Moses Lake Grant County International Airport (MWH), USA
Moses Lake was once a Cold War airbase, but is now used for aircraft testing and storage. It’s a magnet for rare finds: military trainers and brand-new airliners undergoing certification. You can catch Boeing conducting engine runs or taxi tests here.
Helicopter Photo Flight: 737 MAX Airplanes at Moses Lake by FlyingMAir
