Anyone of a certain age probably remembers visiting an airport and going straight to the observation terrace on top of the terminal to watch the planes.
It’s how I got into aviation, even though my local airport was quiet and you had to wait hours sometimes to see anything!
Today, in the name of progress and security, we’ve lost so many great observation terraces and viewing areas at airports.
But if you know where to look, you can still find some surprisingly good ones!
Here are 5 awesome European airport observation terraces.
Zurich
The busiest airport in Switzerland still has observation terraces along its main piers. You can get up close to see the aircraft parked at the gates, and also have great views of aircraft on the nearby runways.
The observation deck on top of Pier B is the original and best spot. It is signposted within the terminal, and opens daily from 8am-8pm (summer) and 9am-6pm (winter). There is a CHF5 entrance fee.
The terrace on Pier E is closer to aircraft using runways 16 and 28. Buses run from the Pier B terrace every 30 minutes from midday.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt Terminal 2’s observation terrace.
Years ago the observation terrace on Frankfurt’s Terminal 1 was the go-to place for spotting at the airport. I still remember coming face-to-face with all the 747s parked up against it and the smell of aviation fuel!
Today a terrace still exists at Frankfurt Terminal 2 and is the easy to get to, upstairs in the food court area. It gives close-up views of the action around part of this terminal, and the nearby runways and commuter ramp. There are holes in the fence for camera lenses. Open daily. Adults €3.
Dusseldorf
Photo (c) Dusseldorf Airport
Another good German observation terrace is on top of the terminal at Dusseldorf airport. It is located above the B pier. It allows visitors to get close to the action, with aircraft parking all around you, and the runways in the near distance. Access is signposted, via the third floor of the terminal. It is open daily from 9am to 6pm (8pm between 26 March and 29 October). Entrance costs €2.20 for adults, €1.50 concessions, and €1 for children.
Malta
The Terminal Viewing Malta Airport Spotting Area
The sunny holiday spot of Malta has an interesting and fairly busy airport. On the third floor of the passenger terminal is an official viewing terrace, situated near a restaurant. It is free to use, and offers good views across the parking apron and main 13/31 runway. Photography is through clear glass. It is accessed via elevator next to the security check.
[Where to Spot at Malta Airport]
Amsterdam Schiphol
Aircraft are in close photographic range from Amsterdam’s Panorama Terrace.
Among the many great viewing locations around Schiphol Airport, the Panorama Terrace is an easy go-to place for some serious spotting. This official terrace is located along the top of the central terminal area. Although it has been reduced in size, it still commands good views across piers C to E and a number of the runways. Aircraft that are not seen arriving can usually be seen taxiing at some point.
Entrance to the terrace is free. It can be reached through the entrance hall to Schiphol Central, and is well-signposted. Facilities include an indoor cafe, restaurant and bar, arrivals screens, and a retired Fokker 100 aircraft which you can go inside! Opening times: from last Sunday in October 9am to 5pm; from last Sunday in March 7am to 9pm.
[Our Guide to the Amsterdam Schiphol Panorama Terrace]
Paris Orly
The South Terminal at Paris Orly has an excellent outdoor observation terrace which can be reached from within the terminal. This is a good location for logging most of the airport’s movements, and photography is possible (although south-facing and through glass).
The terrace is free to enter, opening from 6am in summer and 10am in winter, and often open as a smoking area through the night.
[Spotting at Paris Orly – The Panorama Terrace]
Which is your favourite airport observation terrace? Leave a comment below…
Author
10 comments
Stockholm-Arlanda has observation deck , it is a bit of a walk from the terminals , but is worth it.
You will find yourself right next to the far runway with good opportunities for photos .
Also there is a taxiway right below the area with planes taxing right past you.
Well worth a visit
Thanks Graham!
Paris orly is closed ,derelict ,pier at Düsseldorf is also closed ,has been for quite a while ,
Schipol terrace is now closed ,due to terminal extension
Please update your book as it is out of date already
Entrance to zurich pier b deck is free if you have proof of a flight home the same day
Well the top ones would be Amsterdam with its great terrace; the spotters area at Manchester near the Trident and Nimrod;
and Innsbruck, where you can have a coffee and nearly touch the wing tips.
Sydney has a new ”spotters mound” for great unobstructed photography, and my home airport, Perth, a spotters elevated and partially covered area at the threshold of main runway, 03.
Singapore has a roof gallery for great runway photography, while you admire all the beautiful plants and greenery.
Vienna is very good especially if the runway in front of you is in use
My favourite airport? What a question? ZRH of course… and next year, a new observation deck will open in GVA to celebrate the 100th anniversary….
Wow, I didn’t know that. Thanks for letting us know Daniel!
Hi, Berlin tegel have also a good observation deck; Entrance fees 3 euros, easy acces from the main terminal. Link here: https://www.berlin-airport.de/en/travellers-txl/the-excitement-of-airports/observation-deck/index.php
Hi, last time, admittingly, it was a few years ago, when i went to go through the security check at Frankfurt , they said no liquids,so I had to put my drinks in the waste bin and by them out of the machine on the viewing deck,.
what about Helsinki, free viewing deck that faces north, high above the terminal, only problem, not very busy in the mornings!!