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?

Birmingham Airport’s planned runway extension has been approved.

I was in the Aviation Experience last week and noticed the display boards with all of the plans and support for this that they have up. Got to be good news for the airport.

Las Vegas McCarran’s runway 07R/25L has reopened following resurfacing work. The closure has made spotting quite difficult at the airport as this runway offers the best opportunities along Sunset Road.

Newcastle Airport in the north east of England is quite a busy little regional airport. In fact, it even has its own Emirates flight to Dubai each day, so it’s not that much of a regional airport, but more of an international gateway.

The summer months are always best for quality of movements. It’s also one of the last places to see easyJet 737′s before they leave the fleet.

The airport used to be good for viewing, but terminal expansions put a stop to that.

When I visited the other week I parked up near the end of runway 25. Follow signs for Dinnington from the terminal, and then turn right and you’ll soon reach the end of the runway on your right.

Although a tall fence stops you from being able to see what’s happening on the ground, this spot is actually pretty good for taking photos of aircraft using either direction of the runway (although better for landing shots on 25). There’s even a handy bench you can stand on to give you an advantage.

I’ve added a couple of shots from my visit below…