Summary
For many aviation enthusiasts, cargo aircraft offer a different kind of thrill. From classic workhorses like the Boeing 747 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 to a vast array of freighters operated by carriers from all over the world, cargo spotting can be incredibly rewarding—and often more unpredictable than passenger movements.
While many airports around the world handle some level of cargo traffic, a select few stand out for their volume, variety, and visibility. These are the airports where cargo spotting comes into its own.
Here’s a list of some of the best airports in the world for spotting cargo aircraft, based on those featured in World Airport Spotting Guides (3rd Edition).
Leipzig/Halle Airport, Germany (LEJ / EDDP)
Antonov An-12 at Leipzig. Photo (c) Cityswift
Leipzig is one of Europe’s top freight hubs and the main European base for DHL Aviation, which operates a major sorting centre here. You’ll see DHL’s yellow fleet in action around the clock, with peak movements in the early morning and evening hours.
Other major cargo players also pass through, including Aerologic, Amazon Air, Cargolux, and Polar Air Cargo. There are several decent perimeter locations for spotting, especially along the taxiways and freight aprons.
Liège Airport, Belgium (LGG / EBLG)
Often overlooked, Liège is a cargo powerhouse in western Europe. It serves as a major hub for ASL Airlines Belgium and is frequently visited by freighters from FedEx, Qatar Airways Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, and many others.
Most of the cargo movements occur overnight, with departures starting as early as 4am, but there’s usually a good variety of aircraft parked during the day. Spotting locations around the perimeter fence and near the runways offer decent opportunities to log and photograph arrivals and departures.
Anchorage Ted Stevens International, Alaska, USA (ANC / PANC)
Departing Runway 34 Anchorage.
Anchorage is unique—one of the few airports where you can spot aircraft from both North America and Asia stopping over to refuel. Its position makes it a crossroads for cargo carriers like FedEx Express, UPS Airlines, Kalitta Air, Cathay Pacific Cargo, and China Airlines Cargo.
With parallel runways, cargo ramps clustered around the southern edge, and a layout that encourages short spotting walks or drive-bys, Anchorage is perfect for catching some of the world’s biggest freighters up close.
East Midlands Airport, UK (EMA / EGNX)
Photo (c) Alec Wilson
East Midlands is the busiest cargo airport in the UK and one of the most accessible for spotters. It’s a hub for DHL, UPS, and West Atlantic, with numerous aircraft arriving and departing in the early morning and evening.
You’ll often see Boeing 737s, 757s, and 767s, as well as larger aircraft like the A300 or 777F on occasion. There are a few perimeter roads that allow for good photography, and a preserved 747 freighter near the hangars adds a nice extra for visitors.
Hong Kong International, China (HKG / VHHH)
Cathay Pacific Cargo at Hong Kong. Photo (c) Erik Ritterbach
Hong Kong is one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs and home to Cathay Cargo, which has an extensive widebody fleet. The airport also sees regular visits from Atlas Air, Polar, UPS, FedEx, Kalitta Air, SF Airlines, and AirBridgeCargo, among others.
While official viewing locations are limited, many spotters use nearby bridges, parks, or hotel rooftops for photography. The sheer number and variety of freighters makes HKG a top-tier cargo airport.
Miami International Airport, USA (MIA / KMIA)
Miami is the cargo gateway to Latin America and a major base for DHL Aviation, FedEx, and UPS, as well as regional cargo carriers. It’s common to see older types like the DC-10, MD-11, and various 737 classics still operating here.
The eastern side of the airport, near the cargo buildings, is a good place for spotting, with several roads and parking areas offering views of the action.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, USA (CVG / KCVG)
EEJCC, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
CVG is the primary US hub for DHL Aviation and a rapidly growing Amazon Air base. In recent years, it has become a key cargo airport nationally and globally. The bulk of activity happens overnight, but movements are frequent throughout the day.
Various roads around the airfield provide views, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch multiple 767s, 777s, and A300s in a short period. A nearby hotel also offers partial views for those looking to spot overnight.
Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International, UAE (DWC / OMDW)
Photo (c) Aero Icarus
Dubai’s second airport has grown into a dedicated cargo facility, relieving pressure on DXB. It is now a central base for Emirates SkyCargo, as well as a key stop for Kalitta Air, Cargolux, Turkish Cargo, and many others.
While spotting here requires care due to local sensitivities, perimeter roads can offer views, and the volume of large freighters—particularly 747s—is excellent.
Chicago Rockford International Airport, USA (RFD / KRFD)
Photo (c) steeleman204
Another under-the-radar airport, RFD is a major UPS hub and also sees regular flights from Amazon Air, Atlas Air, and ABX Air. The mix of aircraft types and the lower passenger volume make it easier to focus on the freighters.
There are accessible roads around the airfield that offer views of both parked aircraft and arrivals, and it’s less restrictive than other nearby major airports.
Guangzhou Baiyun International, China (CAN / ZGGG)
Guangzhou is one of China’s busiest cargo hubs and a major FedEx facility for the Asia-Pacific region. It also attracts a wide variety of other cargo carriers, including China Southern Cargo, SF Airlines, and international airlines from Russia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Although spotting is a little more challenging in China, the technical institute near the northern perimeter has preserved airframes and occasional access, and some hotel rooms offer partial views over the airfield.
✈️ Want to Dive Deeper into Cargo Spotting?
This is just a snapshot of the world’s best cargo spotting airports. You’ll find detailed airport spotting information, maps, hotel tips, and location descriptions for these airports and hundreds more in the new
World Airport Spotting Guides (3rd Edition) — covering over 350 airports in 80 countries.
Order your copy now at this link and take your spotting to the next level!
Title image: Matt Taylor
1 comment
For the cost of a day pass if available at the Alaska Lounge in Anchorage is a opportunity to get a very nice view of the cargo aircraft and other rare examples of difficult to see airframes.