GLOBAL SPOTTING REPORTS
GERMANY
Munich – Jan 2014
LANDSIDE
There is an excellent viewing area located on the airport perimeter. A high mound gives excellent views of terminal 1 and both runways. Its only accessible at certain times though and has an entry fee. If it is not open its still possible to walk around the perimeter of the mound and have a good view. Its not accessible from the terminal area but it has a car park, or you can take the train from the airport and get off at the first stop.
If you have a car there is a good spot on the perimeter road on the eastern side of the airport looking at terminal 2. Both runways can be seen and you should also see any bizjets by driving around this area.
AIRSIDE
Both terminals have views but can be restrictive as the terminals face away from each other and the runways are at angles. Expect to miss some aircraft.
HOTELS
There are hotels in the vicinity but not sure if any have views.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Lufthansa’s second hub with many aircraft based out of here including a lot of the E190’s and several A340/A330’s. The German charter airlines also have a large presence here making for quite a busy airport and well worth a visit.
Oberpfaffenhofen is located to the west about half hour drive away. Dornier have there headquarters here. They don’t make it very easy to see anything though. As you turn towards the airfield there is a small roundabout with a dead end straight ahead. From hear you can walk to the perimeter fence where you get a good view of the ramp. D-BGAB D328 was still parked there but that was it. Anything inside the hangers can’t be seen. By driving around a bit you can see the remains of P2-MBR D228. Also preserved in a glass building is D328 C/N 3002 and an Air Jamaica D228 6Y-JQN.
Frankfurt - Jul 2019
LANDSIDE
Terminal 2 has an observation deck but only open from 10am. However views can be had from the windows inside where comfy seating and power sockets are located. Traffic arriving and departing from the two runways not viewable from here which park on terminal 1 may not be seen.
There are several spots around the perimeter. A car would be preferable to explore these.
AIRSIDE
Terminal 1 had good window views of these runways and terminal 2 traffic has to arrive or depart past you so most stuff should be seen.
HOTELS
The Sheraton and Hilton located at the terminal most likely have views but obviously more expensive. The intercity hoel on the perimeter is a close walk from good viewing locations at the end of the runways.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Lufthansa dominate with a large part of the fleet based including B747s and A380s as well has some A330s and A340s. There are a few CRJ and E190 flights but most of these are based elsewhere. A350s are based at Munich.
The local charter airlines have a few aircraft based but not much else from the local fleets.
A good selection of international traffic including MIAT and Turkmenistan on Saturdays.
Dusseldorf – Jul 2019
LANDSIDE
The observation deck on top of terminal B allows excellent views of the whole airfield. There is an entrance fee and unfortunately it doesn’t open till 9AM. In summer it closes at 8PM and I think 6PM in winter.
If you take the tram to the train station which is located next to the threshold of 23L there are good views of arrivals and departures. There used to be a viewing area here but it has been closed. However I had no problems standing on the over ground walkway between the platforms which is inside.
From the train station you can then walk along the perimeter. There is a pathway that runs from here to a road called Kalkumer Schlossallee. Lots of locals go walking or exercising here and there are excellent views of arrivals. Its not so easy to see departures. You can only see the top part of the plane as it turns onto the runway so only those with registrations high up or on the tail can be read, But it’s a really nice place to watch the planes from and good for photos. I watched all the departures from the train station till about 830am then walked down the path. If you are driving there is a car park next to the road.
There are also reported views on the other side of the terminals from the road leading to the Biz ramp but I didn’t venture this way.
AIRSIDE
Good views and most stuff should be seen. Lots of stuff parks on remote stands here which are harder to see. From Pier A some stuff can be read but its difficult at night. Pier B also has views over some other remote stands. Most stuff on stand can be read. Upstairs in pier B is probably the best place for views and you can see the runway. Strangely pier B has gate access from two different levels so try and find your way to the gates upstairs. Pier C is non European and requires going through passport control. Its better to stay in Pier B as long as possible.
HOTELS
I stayed at the Maritim Hotel which is located next to the terminal. While there are no direct views of the airport some rooms have a view of some pier C gates. You can also see either all arrivals or departures but its not easy to read them so sbs would be advantageous. There are seven floors. Room 656 was the best on the sixth floor. 654, 652 etc would be next best.
Previously I stayed in the Holiday Inn Ratingen. A nice hotel and located on Broichhofstrasse which is only a few minutes drive from the car park next to the perimeter path.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Eurowings have a large base including several DHC8s previously operated by Air Berlin. TUI, Thomas Cook and Sunexpress also have several flights. Very little from Lufthansa. Some interesting stuff from Europe and a few long haul flights make up the numbers.
Cologne – Jul 2016
LANDSIDE
The viewing area has subsequently been made a lot smaller since the terrorist attacks and there are now security guards. However all movements should be seen on arrival or departure. It closed at 5pm when I was there unfortunately, not sure what time it opens, probably 9am.
If you walk through the terminals there are some other views. From the old B and C terminal where the viewing area is and also outside on the departures ramp, you will get views of some of the maintenance areas and across to the military ramp.
AIRSIDE
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not particularly busy but Germanwings have a large base and a good chunk of their fleet can be seen.
German Air Force have a base here and several aircraft may be visible including a couple of Global Express when I was there. There was also a few metros belonging to Binair and other things parked with them.
The airport has a large cargo presence with UPS, Fedex and Star Air having several flights each day. Some of the stands can be seen from the viewing area.
There are some aircraft WFU here but they are in the distance and half hidden by a dip. From the terminal area in a similar position to where you can see the military ramp you can see across to them. 5A-LAM CRJ900 can just be made out, along with a few others. Not sure on the regs of these though.
