After a while of speculating the future of the viewing decks at Zurich Airport, which are invaluable spotting locations at this airport, I can now confirm that the original Deck B will close from October.

Deck E will remain open, with a shuttle bus ferrying passengers across to it every 30 minutes.

Keep an eye on the airport’s official website for more details closer to the time.

Thanks to Thomas Jaeger at CH-Aviation for this information.

Following the petition held recently by aircraft enthusiasts in the Newcastle area to have a viewing area built, it seems the airport has finally given in and announced plans to build an area for viewing.

The airport recently bought the original 1930s terminal building and its owner Samsons Aviation on the south side of the airport. As well as developing GA and business flights, it will also add a visitors centre with a viewing area in the historic building.

This is great news for the area’s spotters, who have been deprived since the official viewing terrace at the terminal closed i 2003.

A quick note about Doha Airport for spotters.

The terminal is still quite small here, so until the larger facility opens these facts are correct.

Once airside, the transit lounge/departures area have large windows overlooking the ramp. During daylight hours you wont have any problems logging any movements as the runway is pretty close. Some remoter stands may be a problem.

At each end of the terminal is a vantage point which looks over a little bit more of the parking areas.

As most passengers experience a bus ride to their aircraft, this is another opportunity to note a few aircraft parked away from the terminal.

Warsaw has become an easy low-cost getaway from many countries in Europe – particularly with airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair offering low fares.

Warsaw’s Frederic Chopin Airport is very spotter friendly if you stay within the allocated areas. It’s terminal building has an open air observation deck which gives views over the parking apron and runways. Reports state that most movements can be seen from here.

All visitors are subject to a meticulous security check on entering the observation deck.

Ticket price:
standard PLN 3,00
reduced PLN 2,00

Opening hours:
6.30 until 20.30

(Warsaw is covered in my new book – Airport Spotting Guides: Europe. Out soon!)

Christchurch Airport in New Zealand has had an excellent outdoor viewing deck for many years. This is now under threat, however, according to a report by Geoff Pierce.

Improvements to the terminal are likely to close the viewing area, with much more limited views only available from inside.

Geoff states: “I have been in touch with the Airport authorities on an irregular basis, since my last visit in 2006 and subscribe to the CHC redevelopment newsletter. The latest news received today, is that the
viewing deck will `probably` not be finally closing until around November 2009. (usual caveats apply)”

Aircraft spotters at Newcastle Airport in the UK have set up a petition to bring back viewing facilities at the airport. It once had a dedicated roof gallery, and indoor areas to watch aircraft. Now, since the expansion of the terminal buildings there are no official locations to watch aircraft.

If you feel inclined to sign the petition, click the following link http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/newcastleviewinggallery/?e

Geneva’s outdoor viewing terrace on the terminal is currently closed for building work to take place. It is unknown whether this will be a permanent closure or just temporary.

Anyone travelling for May’s EBACE will not be able to use it, however.

It is still possible to view from the bar and restaurant area, or the various viewing locations around the perimeter.

Manchester Airport’s famous Level 13 of the short stay car park is being changed again. It will now be used to house hire cars, and thus will have the access barriers moved up there, preventing joe public from driving up. It’s very unlikely to affect people spotting on foot on the top level luckily.