Summary
Frankfurt in Germany is one of Europe’s most important areas for aviation and air travel.
As a result, enthusiasts from all over the world flock there each year to enjoy plane spotting and being around aircraft of all sizes.
This is especially easy because Frankfurt, like many other German airports, provides facilities for enthusiasts and onlookers to watch aircraft movements.
So what should you not miss when spotting in and around Frankfurt? Here’s our top 10:
1. Terminal 2 Viewing Terrace
The easiest of all of Frankfurt Airport’s viewing areas to enjoy is the terrace on top of Terminal 2. Accessible pre-security from the upstairs food court area, it is an outdoor space running along the top of the building facing out over the parallel runways 07L/C and 25C/R. You can also see aircraft at gates around Terminal 2.
2. Autobahn Viewing Area
Another official viewing area. This is the best spot for photographing runway 25L/C arrivals. It comprises a raised platform overlooking the fence at the eastern end of the airport, next to the Autobahn.
To get there, from Terminal 2, walk past the end of runways 25L/C along a designated footpath. At ground level outside the terminal, follow Hugo-Eckener-Ring past the catering and office buildings. The footpath starts to the left of the terminal when facing it, crossing a small bridge. Eventually it rises to meet a bridge crossing the Autobahn 5 where the platform is located. To reach the location by car, drive towards Darmstadt on the A5 and exit for Zeppelinheim. After passing over the autobahn, take the first left into the forest and find the car park, then walk towards the airport. Finally, you can also take the S-Bahn to Zeppelinheim and walk to the viewing platform through the forest. At this location excellent photographs of aircraft on short finals can be taken, and many movements logged with good binoculars.
3. Berlin Airlift Memorial
Frankfurt Airport was one of the main staging areas for the Berlin Airlift – a massive postwar operation to send supplies into the isolated communities of West Berlin, cut off by the Soviets. Hundreds of flights per day would set off, made up of a diverse array of aircraft types – often war surplus military types.
This memorial, a short walk from the Autobahn Viewing Area, is near the entrance to the old Rhein Main Air Base. It comprises two former Berlin Airlift (and wartime) veterans – Douglas C-47B 43-49081 “The Berlin Train” and Douglas DC-4 N88887 “Rosinen Bomber”.
4. Runway 18 Viewing Area
The Runway 18 platform is elevated above the fence.
One of the westerly runways at Frankfurt, and the only one not in a parallel direction to the others, is Runway 18 which runs in a southerly direction. You’ll note that it is not 18/36 as it is only ever used on one direction. It is also only ever used for departures.
A viewing area (with a small car park) is good for photographing departures on Runway 18, and also aircraft on short finals for Runways 07C/R. Some aircraft on the taxiways and cargo ramps can be logged from here. To reach it, drive west along Airportring (follow signs initially for Lufthansa Cargo). The road will eventually turn south and you’ll come to a car park on your right before the road goes through a tunnel. It takes an hour to walk here from the terminals.
5. North Runway Viewing Area
Runway 07L/25R, situated to the north-west of the airport, is used primarily for arrivals. A viewing platform alongside gives elevated views over the fence which enables aircraft on the runway and taxiway to be photographed.
To get there drive west along Airportring following signs initially for Kelsterbach/Rüsselsheim. Turn right onto Okrifelter Strasse after the taxiway bridge, and then turn right into the car park. It takes 30 minutes to walk here from the terminals.
6. Lufthansa Big Jets
Photo (c) Erik Ritterbach
Aside from specific viewing areas, what might spotters come to Frankfurt to see?
The airport has a big mix of carriers from all over the world, but is notably the main hub for Lufthansa and its worldwide network. While (at the time of writing) the airline’s Airbus A350s and A380s are mostly based at Munich, other heavy types like the Airbus A340 and Boeing 747 operate out of Frankfurt. These types are becoming rarer (however the 747-8 will still fly for a good while to come), so it’s nice to see them in one place.
Other heavy types include the Airbus A330, some A350s, and the Boeing 787.
7. Mongolian Airlines
It may seem like a strange addition to the Top 10 list, but relatively small Asian carrier MIAT Mongolian Airlines only flies to one destination in Europe, and that is Frankfurt. Its colourful Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a regular sight here, and nowhere else. So if you want to spot one, this is where to come!
8. Cargo Heavies
Photo (c) Erik Ritterbach
Frankfurt is also a major cargo hub, with heavy jets operating in and out every day.
Naturally Lufthansa Cargo and Aerologic dominate, but you’ll see many other airlines like Air Canada Cargo, ANA Cargo, China Airlines Cargo, Korean Air Cargo, LATAM Cargo, Royal Air Maroc Cargo and SF Airlines.
Some of these don’t operate to other European hubs, and they all add to the diversity of aircraft you’ll see while spotting in Frankfurt.
9. Airside Tours
Photo (c) Steve Knight
Many European airports offer airside tours, taking you close up to the aircraft parked at the gates and moving around the taxiways. It can be a thrilling experience, and they’re great for spotters who want a different angle for their photographs, or to see aircraft parked in hidden corners away from the normal viewing areas.
Frankfurt is no exception. There are many tours for both individuals and groups here. A good starting point is to see this webpage, which lists them all and has online booking.
Tours run from the Visitors Center in Terminal 2.
10. Egelsbach Airport
Hessische Flugplatz GmbH Egelsbach,, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Are there any aviation attractions away from the main airport in Frankfurt?
Sadly there are no aviation museums or secondary airports close to the city. However, Egelsbach Airport is the nearest general aviation airport of any note.
It is located 6 miles (10km) south of Frankfurt Airport and comprises two parallel runways (one grass, one concrete). There are no passenger flights, but the airport often sees biz jet movements alongside the many light aircraft.
There are no dedicated viewing facilities, but the cafe in the terminal has some views, and you can see through the fence in various places.
Title image: Erik Ritterbach
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2 comments
If taking the organized airside tour from Terminal 2 tell them you are English as most of the guides on the bus can also give you an English commentary – otherwise, just practice your German!
Yes always love going through FRA, always interesting aircraft to watch and beautiful terminals.