Check out this cool time-lapse video from Frankfurt Airport!

Frankfurt Airport Time Lapse Video

Frankfurt is one of the world’s busiest airports, yet they still think of the enthusiast and people who are interested in how an airport runs.
Their airside tours have been running for many, many years. They used to operate from the Terminal 1 viewing deck (remember the DC-8 nose section where the tour started? It’s still there by the way).

Today, you can still take a tour at one of the set times between 11am and 4pm. It costs €8 for adults and lasts around 45 minutes. It will take you on a bus tour of airside areas, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2, maintenance areas and taxiways.

To take the tour, head for the Frankfurt Airport Centre in the corridor between Terminals 1 and 2. Follow signs for the Airport Experience Tour. Here’s the link to the official information page

Today, 21st October 2011, is the day Frankfurt/Main Airport opens its new 4th runway to operations.

The project has seen the new 25R/07L and its associated taxiways built with German precision and efficiency to the north-west of the airfield. It is shorter than the other runways at the airport, and will be used mainly for commuter and smaller airliner arrivals to ease pressure on the other runways.

This will make things a little more interesting for the spotter, and no doubt it will bring about some new places to spot from as enthusiasts explore.

The previous runway 25R/07L is now designated 25C/07C.

If you’re at Frankfurt any time soon, let us know what it’s like with the new runway in operation.

And if you’re a member of the UK Government – look, a 4th runway at a major airport. Opened with very little trouble or opposition. Why can’t we do the same for our busy hubs?

Around the world, many airports have had the good thinking to provide eating and drinking facilities within their terminals which offer fantastic views of the aircraft action. In many cases, these count as the best places to watch aircraft at that particular airport.

In some examples, the facilities are not within the terminal, but a private establishment at a convenient location around the perimeter.

Below, we offer you five of the best cafes and restaurants around the world.

1. In ‘n’ Out Burger, Los Angeles LAX
In our eyes, this is one of the best fast food joints in the world. Situated conveniently a few metres from the end of runways 24L/R, you can enjoy a burger whilst snapping pictures of aircraft just before touchdown. You can find the In ‘n’ Out just off S. Sepulveda Blvd.

2. McDonalds, Terminal 2
One of the unofficial spotting locations at Frankfurt/Main is the McDonalds restaurant in Terminal 2. This is situated in the mezzanine food court, before proceeding to departures, making it ideal for those not flying. The views over the Terminal 2 gates, commuter ramp and runways is fantastic, although a lot of Terminal 1 traffic is missed if it uses runway 18.

3. Reef Club, St. Maarten
We’ve all seen the amazing close-action shots at St. Maarten in the Caribbean. Whilst enjoying the view on the famous Maho Beach, enjoy a drink at the Reef Club, which has excellent views of aircraft both on the ground and on approach.

4. Hotel Royal, Corfu
Situated alongside the runway at Corfu’s airport is the Hotel Royal. Non-guests can enjoy a meal or drink at the hotel’s cafe, with a terrace overlooking the action. The hotel is situated in the Kanoni district.

5. Arizona’s Bar & Grill, Toronto Pearson
Situated on the airport strip, just outside the perimeter, this Arizona’s Bar and Grill serves excellent food and has views of the action to match. In particular, you’ll see arrivals on runways 24L/R. Wandering out into the car park allows for some great photographs.

Where else would you suggest from your travels? Which terminal has a particularly good cafe or food court with a view?