Summary
If you’re an aviation enthusiast, few experiences can match the thrill of standing near a busy runway with aircraft thundering overhead—or watching the comings and goings of exotic jets from the comfort of a hotel room. Some airports make plane spotting easier than others, and a few go out of their way to cater to spotters with viewing platforms, accessible locations, and a constant stream of interesting traffic.
In this article, we look at 10 of the very best airports in the world for plane spotting, chosen for their variety of traffic, accessibility, and dedicated spotting infrastructure. Whether you’re into photographing aircraft or simply logging registrations, these airports are must-visits.
Map of Plane Spotting Locations Featured in This Guide
1 Amsterdam Schiphol, Netherlands (AMS / EHAM)
Spotting at the Polderbaan runway at Amsterdam. Photo (c) Gilbert Sopakuwa
Schiphol is one of Europe’s busiest and most enthusiast-friendly airports. It features a dedicated observation deck called the Panorama Terrace on the terminal roof, offering close-up views of the gates and taxiways.
You’ll see a mix of KLM’s widebody fleet, cargo operators, European low-cost carriers, and long-haul visitors from every continent. The variety and volume are excellent.
Spotter Tip: The six-runway layout means you’ll need to move around for the best views of arrivals. Renting a bike or car helps!
2 Tokyo Haneda, Japan (HND / RJTT)
One of the busiest airports in Asia, Haneda is a dream for spotters—especially fans of Japanese carriers.
It features three public observation decks (one at each terminal), all fitted with fence gaps for cameras. You’ll mostly see ANA and JAL’s domestic and international fleets, plus rare visitors like Solaseed Air, Air Do, and international heavies including A350s and 777s.
Spotter Tip: Even night photography is possible here thanks to well-lit aprons and decks that stay open late.
3 Los Angeles International, USA (LAX / KLAX)
Photo (c) Erik Ritterbach
LAX offers everything a spotter could want: a huge variety of aircraft, exotic airlines, and great weather for photography.
The areas around Imperial Hill, and In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Blvd, are legendary for close-up views of aircraft. The Proud Bird restaurant is another top location with a view of the southern runways.
Spotter Tip: Stay at one of the many hotels on Century Blvd. Some have rooms overlooking the approach paths.
4 Frankfurt Airport, Germany (FRA / EDDF)
Photo (c) Erik Ritterbach
Frankfurt is one of Europe’s busiest hubs and home to Lufthansa’s wide-ranging fleet, including 747-8s, A350s, and a large cargo operation.
The Visitors’ Terrace at Terminal 2 provides views of runway 07R/25L and parts of the apron. Outside, a network of public roads and footpaths around the perimeter allows for great photography, and there are official viewing platforms alongside runways 07L/25R and 18.
Spotter Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to take an airside airport tour, which can often reveal aircraft hidden out of sight in the cargo and maintenance areas. Available from Terminal 2.
5 London Heathrow, United Kingdom (LHR / EGLL)
Arrivals on runway 09L can be photographed.
Heathrow is one of the best places in the world to spot long-haul widebody aircraft. You’ll see British Airways’ massive fleet, plus a steady stream of 777s, A380s, and Dreamliners from every corner of the globe.
While it lacks an official terrace, Myrtle Avenue, just south of the airport, is the ultimate place to get low and close shots of arrivals on runway 27L.
Spotter Tip: A good long lens will help when shooting from outside Terminal 5 or other more distant public areas along the northern perimeter.
6 Zurich Airport, Switzerland (ZRH / LSZH)
Zurich is famous for its dedication to plane spotters and plane spotting. It offers two official observation decks (at Terminals B and E), complete with photo-friendly glass, binoculars, and even airside tours.
The variety of traffic is solid, with regular visits by Swiss International Air Lines, private jets, and a good mix of European and long-haul carriers.
Spotter Tip: Deck E is airside and requires a shuttle bus and security check—but it’s well worth the effort.
7 Singapore Changi, Singapore (SIN / WSSS)
Relaxing and spotting at Singapore Changi. Photo (c) Victor
Changi is not only the world’s best airport for passengers—it’s also excellent for spotters.
It offers multiple viewing galleries throughout its terminals, including indoor spaces with clear views of the runways and aprons. Singapore Airlines’ impressive fleet, cargo traffic, and airlines from across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia make this a global hotspot.
Spotter Tip: Terminal 1’s viewing gallery and the Jewel shopping complex (with airfield views from restaurants) are both great locations.
8 Sydney Kingsford Smith, Australia (SYD / YSSY)
Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 AU <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/au/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons
Sydney is a favourite for spotters thanks to its scenic location, diverse traffic, and several designated viewing areas.
The famous Shep’s Mound offers views of all runways and taxiways. The beach near runway 16R/34L is another stunning location for spotting and photography.
Spotter Tip: Stay at Rydges Hotel, which offers day access to its terrace for spotters and has special packages for enthusiasts.
9 Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, USA (ATL / KATL)
ATL is the busiest airport in the world by movements and is a paradise for those who enjoy volume over variety.
As a major hub for Delta Air Lines, you’ll see dozens of aircraft taxiing, departing, and arriving at any given moment. It’s not the easiest for plane spotting-there are a few locations along the perimeter and hotels with views near the northern end of the airfield. But for the best location stay at the Renaissance Hotel which offers panoramic views over the airfield.
Spotter Tip: Visit the Delta Flight Museum which houses a fantastic collection of preserved aircraft.
10 Brussels Airport, Belgium (BRU / EBBR)
Photo (c) Spencer Bennett
Brussels Airport is one of the few in Europe that’s made dedicated efforts to include spotters in its development. It offers two official viewing platforms—one near runway 25L/07R, and the other at runway 01/19.
The mix of traffic is excellent: Brussels Airlines, TUI fly Belgium, plenty of European narrowbodies, and an increasing number of freighters and VIP aircraft.
Spotter Tip: Rent a car to explore all perimeter plane spotting locations and catch movements at all times of day.
✈️ Planning Your Next Spotting Trip?
Each of these airports—and hundreds more—are covered in full detail in World Airport Spotting Guides (3rd Edition), including the best locations, spotting hotels, and what aircraft to expect.
Order your copy now at www.destinworld.com and take your aviation hobby to new heights!
