Airports

Global Planespotting: A Journey Across Key International Airports

This overview covers a diverse range of airports where planespotting has taken place, from the dynamic Radom Air Show in Poland to major international hubs like Amsterdam Schiphol and Frankfurt. Each airport, whether it’s the centrally located London City Airport or the distinctive Copenhagen Sea Airport, offers unique perspectives on global aviation, highlighting the variety and complexity of air travel operations worldwide.

  • Airshow Radom
    EPRA, Radom, Poland

    The Radom Air Show, held biennially at Radom-Sadków Airport in Poland, is one of Central Europe's largest aviation events. It features dynamic displays by military, commercial, and aerobatic aircraft from around the world. The show highlights cutting-edge aviation technology and precision flying, attracting enthusiasts and professionals alike. It also serves as a platform for showcasing Poland's military capabilities and fostering international aerospace cooperation.

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
    EHAM, Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (EHAM) is one of Europe’s largest and busiest airports, serving as a critical hub for global air traffic. It is a key base for KLM and several other major airlines, offering extensive international and domestic routes. Schiphol features six runways, advanced air traffic control, and state-of-the-art facilities for aircraft maintenance and operations, making it a vital gateway in worldwide aviation.

  • ANTIDOTUM Airshow Leszno
    EPLS, Leszno, Poland

    The ANTIDOTUM Airshow in Leszno, Poland, is a prominent aviation event known for its spectacular aerial displays and vibrant atmosphere. Held annually, it features performances by military jets, aerobatic teams, and historic aircraft, offering a thrilling experience for aviation enthusiasts. The show also includes night displays with illuminated aircraft and fireworks, making it a unique and dynamic celebration of aviation.

  • Berlin Tegel
    EDDT, Berlin, Germany

    Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) was one of Berlin’s primary airports until its closure in 2020. Known for its distinctive hexagonal terminal design, it was a major hub for both domestic and international flights, playing a key role during the Cold War era as a gateway to West Berlin. Despite its relatively compact size, Tegel was famous for its efficiency and close proximity to the city center, making it a favorite among travelers.

  • Brussels Airport
    EBBR, Brüssel, Belgium

    Brussels Airport (BRU), located in Zaventem near Brussels, is Belgium’s primary international airport and a major European hub. It serves as a key base for Brussels Airlines and offers connections to destinations worldwide. The airport features three runways and modern facilities to handle both passenger and cargo traffic efficiently. With its strategic location, Brussels Airport plays a vital role in European and global aviation, supporting both business and tourism.

  • Copenhagen Airport
    EKCH, Kopenhagen, Danmark

    Copenhagen Airport (CPH), located in Kastrup, is the largest airport in Scandinavia and a major hub in Northern Europe. Serving as the main base for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), it offers extensive connections across Europe, Asia, and North America. The airport features two parallel runways and state-of-the-art passenger facilities, known for their efficiency and design. Copenhagen Airport plays a crucial role in regional and international air travel, supporting both passenger and cargo operations.

  • Copenhagen Sea Airport
    EKCC, Kopenhagen, Danmark

    Copenhagen Sea Airport, also known as Copenhagen Water Airport, is a unique seaplane base located in the harbor of Copenhagen, Denmark. It primarily serves as a hub for seaplane flights, offering quick and scenic connections between Copenhagen and nearby destinations, such as Aarhus. The airport facilitates a niche yet growing segment of air travel, providing an efficient and picturesque alternative to traditional air routes.

  • Düsseldorf Airport
    EDDL, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is one of Germany's major international airports, located just north of Düsseldorf. It serves as a key hub for both domestic and international flights, with extensive connections across Europe and beyond. The airport features three runways and modern passenger terminals, offering efficient services and a wide range of amenities. Düsseldorf Airport is particularly known for its strong business travel focus, given its proximity to one of Germany's leading economic regions.

  • Fliegerhorst Hohn
    ETNH, Hohn, Germany

    Fliegerhorst Hohn (ETNH) is a military airbase located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, near the town of Rendsburg. It serves as a satellite airfield for the Tactical Air Force Wing 51 "Immelmann" and was previously home to the Air Transport Wing 63 (LTG 63), which operated the Transall C-160 aircraft. The airbase features a single runway (08/26) that is 2,440 meters long. The GFD GmbH, a subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space, also operates from Hohn, providing target simulation flights for the German Armed Forces.

  • Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg
    EDDB, Berlin, Germany

    Berlin Brandenburg Airport (EDDB) is the main international airport serving Berlin, Germany. It opened in October 2020 and replaced the former Tegel and Schönefeld airports. BER is a hub for airlines such as easyJet and Eurowings, and it also serves numerous other carriers including Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Turkish Airlines. The airport features two parallel runways, each 4,000 meters long, and two terminals (T1, T2). In 2023, BER handled over 26 million passengers, making it one of Germany's busiest airports.

  • Flughafen Lübeck
    EDHL, Lübeck, Germany

    Lübeck Airport (LBC), also known as Lübeck Blankensee Airport, is a regional airport located near the city of Lübeck in northern Germany. It primarily serves as a hub for low-cost and charter airlines, offering connections to various European destinations. The airport features a single runway and modest terminal facilities, catering mainly to leisure travelers. Lübeck Airport provides an alternative gateway to the Hamburg metropolitan area and the popular Baltic Sea region, supporting regional tourism and travel.

  • Flughafen Rostock-Laage
    ETNL, Laage, Germany

    Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG) is a regional airport located near Rostock in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. It serves both civilian and military purposes, with a significant portion of its operations dedicated to the German Air Force. The airport features a single runway and offers domestic and seasonal international flights, primarily catering to tourists visiting the Baltic Sea region. Rostock-Laage is an important gateway for travelers to Northern Germany and plays a dual role in civil and military aviation.

  • Flughafen Zürich
    LSZH, Zürich, Swiss

    Zürich Airport (ZRH), also known as Kloten Airport, is Switzerland's largest and busiest airport, serving as the primary hub for Swiss International Air Lines. Located near Zürich, it offers extensive connections to destinations across Europe and worldwide. The airport features three runways and state-of-the-art terminals, known for their efficiency, cleanliness, and high-quality services. Zürich Airport plays a crucial role in international air travel, providing a key gateway to Switzerland and an important hub in global aviation.

  • Flugplatz Bienenfarm
    EDOI, Paulinenaue, Germany

    Flugplatz Bienenfarm is a small airfield located near Nauen in Brandenburg, Germany. It primarily serves general aviation and is popular among private pilots and flying clubs. The airfield features a grass runway and offers facilities for light aircraft, gliders, and vintage planes. Bienenfarm is known for hosting various aviation events, including airshows and fly-ins, attracting aviation enthusiasts from the region. It serves as a charming hub for recreational flying and community aviation activities in the area.

  • Frankfurt Airport
    EDDF, Frankfurt, Germany

    Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany's largest and busiest airport, and one of the major aviation hubs in Europe. Located in Frankfurt, it serves as the primary base for Lufthansa and offers extensive global connections, with flights to nearly every continent. The airport features four runways and two large passenger terminals, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for handling high volumes of passengers and cargo. Frankfurt Airport is a vital gateway for international travel and a central hub for global air traffic.

  • Hamburg Airport
    EDDH, Hamburg, Germany

    Hamburg Airport (HAM), also known as Hamburg Airport Helmut Schmidt, is the oldest international airport in Germany still in operation, serving the city of Hamburg and the surrounding region. It is a major hub for both domestic and international flights, offering extensive connections across Europe and beyond. The airport features two runways and modern terminals, providing efficient services for passengers. Hamburg Airport plays a crucial role in Northern Germany's air travel and is a key gateway to the region.

  • Hamburg Finkenwerder
    EDHI, Hamburg, Germany

    Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (XFW) is a private airport located in the Finkenwerder quarter of Hamburg, Germany. It is primarily used by Airbus as a key manufacturing and delivery site for its aircraft. The airport features a runway and facilities tailored for the assembly, testing, and delivery of Airbus planes, including the A320 family. Finkenwerder is a critical hub for Airbus operations, playing a vital role in the global aerospace industry.

  • Hannover Airport
    EDDV, Hannover, Germany

    Hannover Airport (HAJ), located in Lower Saxony, Germany, is a significant regional airport with both domestic and international connections. It features three runways and modern passenger terminals, serving as a hub for holiday and charter flights, as well as business travel. The airport is known for its efficient operations and accessibility, offering connections to major European cities and popular vacation destinations. Hannover Airport plays a key role in the region's air travel, supporting both passenger and cargo traffic.

  • Köln Bonn Airport
    EDDK, Cologne, Germany

    Köln Bonn Airport (CGN), located between Cologne and Bonn, is one of Germany’s largest and busiest airports. It serves as a major hub for both passenger and cargo flights, with extensive connections across Europe and beyond. The airport operates 24/7, making it a key player in freight logistics, particularly for express carriers like UPS and FedEx. With two parallel runways and modern facilities, Köln Bonn Airport is a vital gateway for both commercial and cargo air traffic in the region.

  • Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport
    KLAS, Las Vegas, USA

    McCarran International Airport (LAS), now officially Harry Reid International Airport, serves as the main gateway to Las Vegas. Located just minutes from the Strip, LAS offers modern amenities, efficient terminals, and nonstop connections to major cities across the U.S. and the world.

  • Leipzig/Halle Airport
    EDDP, Leipzig, Germany

    Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) is a major international airport located between the cities of Leipzig and Halle in Germany. It serves as a key hub for both passenger and cargo flights, with a particular emphasis on freight operations. The airport is one of Europe's largest cargo airports, home to a significant DHL hub. Featuring two parallel runways, Leipzig/Halle operates 24/7, providing extensive connections for both commercial flights and global logistics, making it a vital transportation center in Germany and Europe.

  • Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport
    LPPT, Lissabon, Portugal

    Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), also known simply as Lisbon Airport, is the main international gateway to Portugal and one of the busiest airports in Southern Europe. Located just 7 kilometers from Lisbon's city center, it serves as a key hub for TAP Air Portugal and offers extensive connections to Europe, Africa, the Americas, and beyond. The airport features two runways and modern terminals, handling millions of passengers annually. Lisbon Airport plays a vital role in connecting Portugal to the world, supporting both tourism and business travel.

  • London City Airport
    EGLC, London, Great Britain

    London City Airport (LCY) is a key airport located in the heart of London, primarily serving business travelers due to its proximity to the city's financial districts. It features a single, short runway, specifically designed to accommodate smaller, short-haul aircraft. The airport offers efficient connections to major European business hubs, with quick turnaround times and a focus on speed and convenience. London City Airport is known for its accessibility, making it a popular choice for quick trips to and from central London.

  • London Heathrow Airport
    EGLL, London, Great Britain

    London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the largest and busiest airport in the United Kingdom and one of the world's leading international airports. Located west of Central London, it serves as a major hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, offering extensive global connections to destinations across every continent. Heathrow features four terminals and two runways, handling millions of passengers annually. Known for its scale and efficiency, it plays a crucial role in global air travel and is a key gateway to the UK.

  • Longyearbyen Svalbard Airport
    ENSB, Longyearbyen Svalbard Airport, Norway

    Longyearbyen Svalbard Airport (LYR) is the northernmost airport in the world with scheduled public flights, located on the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. It serves the town of Longyearbyen and is a critical transport link for the region, offering connections to mainland Norway and other Arctic destinations. The airport features a single runway and is equipped to handle the unique challenges of Arctic aviation, including extreme weather conditions. Longyearbyen Airport plays a vital role in supporting the local community, scientific research, and tourism in this remote region.

  • Los Angeles International Airport
    KLAX, Los Angeles, USA

    Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the world’s busiest airports and the main gateway to the U.S. West Coast. Known for its iconic Theme Building and global connections, LAX serves millions of travelers each year, symbolizing movement, diversity, and access to the heart of the entertainment industry—Hollywood.

  • Luxembourg Findel Airport
    ELLX, Luxemburg, Luxembourg

    Luxembourg Findel Airport (LUX) is the primary and only international airport in Luxembourg. It serves as a major hub for Cargolux, one of the world's leading cargo airlines, and offers both passenger and freight services. The airport features a single runway and a modern terminal, providing connections to key European cities and beyond. Known for its efficiency and high cargo traffic, Luxembourg Findel Airport plays a crucial role in global logistics and serves as a vital gateway to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

  • Madrid Barajas Airport
    LEMD, Madrid, Spain

    Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), officially known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, is Spain's largest and busiest airport, located northeast of Madrid. It serves as the primary hub for Iberia Airlines and offers extensive connections across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The airport features four runways and five terminals, known for their modern design and efficient passenger handling. Madrid Barajas is a key gateway for international travel to Spain and a major hub for transatlantic flights, playing a crucial role in European and global aviation.

  • Munich Airport
    EDDM, Munich, Germany

    Munich Airport (MUC), also known as Franz Josef Strauss Airport, is Germany's second-largest airport and a major European aviation hub. Located northeast of Munich, it serves as a key base for Lufthansa and offers extensive international and domestic connections. The airport features two parallel runways and modern passenger terminals, renowned for their efficiency and passenger experience. Munich Airport is a vital gateway for both business and leisure travel, known for its high standards in service and operations.

  • New York Downtown Manhattan Heliport
    KJRB, Heliport, USA

    The Downtown Manhattan Heliport (JRB), located on the East River in Lower Manhattan, New York City, is a key heliport serving the city's financial district and surrounding areas. It primarily handles corporate and charter helicopter flights, providing quick and convenient access to various locations in New York and nearby regions. The heliport is known for its efficiency and is often used by business travelers and tourists seeking rapid transit between Manhattan and the city's major airports, as well as for aerial tours of the city.

  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport
    KJFK, New York City, USA

    John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest and most well-known airports in the United States, located in Queens, New York City. Serving as a major international gateway, JFK offers extensive connections to destinations worldwide. It is a key hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, as well as a primary transatlantic gateway for international carriers. The airport features six passenger terminals and four runways, making it a critical hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, and a vital part of New York's transportation infrastructure.

  • New York Newark Liberty Int'l Airport
    KEWR, Newark, USA

    Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the major airports serving the New York City metropolitan area, located in Newark, New Jersey. It is a key hub for United Airlines and offers extensive domestic and international connections. The airport features three runways and three passenger terminals, handling millions of passengers annually. Known for its proximity to Manhattan, Newark Liberty plays a critical role in both passenger and cargo air traffic, serving as a vital gateway to the northeastern United States.

  • Off Airport
    OFFF, Off Airport, Off Airport

    "Off Airport" in this context refers to aviation-related activities or events that take place away from a traditional airport setting, often in urban or unusual environments. This can include airshows, flyovers, helicopter demonstrations, or landings in city centers, parks, or other public spaces. These events are designed to bring aviation closer to the public, showcasing aircraft capabilities in locations like downtown areas or waterfronts, and offering a unique experience outside the standard airport environment.

  • Palma de Mallorca Airport
    LEPA, Palma, Spain

    Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is the main gateway to the Balearic Islands, located just 8 km east of Palma city. It’s one of Spain’s busiest airports, welcoming millions of passengers each year, especially during the summer season. The airport features modern terminals, efficient services, and a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and car rental options. With excellent connections to major European cities, PMI offers quick access to Mallorca’s stunning beaches, scenic mountains, and vibrant nightlife, making it a key hub for leisure travel.

  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
    LFPG, Paris, Germany

    Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located northeast of Paris, is France's largest and busiest airport, and one of the most important aviation hubs in Europe. It serves as the primary hub for Air France and offers extensive global connections across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. The airport features three runways and multiple passenger terminals, handling millions of passengers and significant cargo traffic annually. Known for its strategic importance in global air travel, Charles de Gaulle Airport plays a vital role as a gateway to France and a major center for international aviation.

  • Paris Le Bourget Airport
    LFPB, Paris, Germany

    Paris Le Bourget Airport (LBG) is a historic airport located just north of Paris, primarily serving business aviation and private jets. It was once the main airport for Paris before the opening of Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. Today, Le Bourget is known as one of Europe’s busiest business aviation hubs. Additionally, it hosts the renowned Paris Air Show, one of the world’s largest and oldest aerospace exhibitions, which showcases cutting-edge aviation technology and attracts industry professionals from around the globe.

  • Paris Orly Airport
    LFPO, Paris, France

    Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located northeast of Paris, is France's largest and busiest airport, and one of the most important aviation hubs in Europe. It serves as the primary hub for Air France and offers extensive global connections across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. The airport features three runways and multiple passenger terminals, handling millions of passengers and significant cargo traffic annually. Known for its strategic importance in global air travel, Charles de Gaulle Airport plays a vital role as a gateway to France and a major center for international aviation.

  • Ramstein Air Base
    ETAR, Ramstein, Germany

    Ramstein Air Base, located in southwestern Germany, is one of the most important U.S. military bases overseas. It serves as the headquarters for the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and NATO's Allied Air Command. The base plays a critical role in military operations, logistics, and as a key hub for troop and cargo transport between the U.S. and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Ramstein's strategic location and extensive facilities make it a vital asset for U.S. and NATO defense operations.

  • San Francisco International Airport
    KSFO, San Francisco, USA

    San Francisco International Airport (KSFO) is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. It offers domestic and international flights, excellent dining options, modern amenities, and is a major hub for United Airlines.

  • Schleswig Jagel Airport
    ETNS, Schleswig, Germany

    Schleswig Jagel Airport is a military airbase located near Jagel in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It is operated by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and is home to the Tactical Air Force Wing 51 "Immelmann," which specializes in reconnaissance missions and operates Tornado fighter jets. The base is strategically important for Germany's defense operations and regularly hosts NATO exercises. Schleswig Jagel plays a critical role in both national and international military aviation activities.

  • Verkehrslandeplatz Mönchengladbach
    EDLN, Mönchengladbach, Germany

    Mönchengladbach Airport (MGL) is a regional airport in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It primarily serves general aviation, including business and private flights, and is also a training base for flight schools. The airport features a paved runway and provides essential services for smaller aircraft. Mönchengladbach also functions as a relief airport for Düsseldorf Airport, playing an important role in regional aviation.

  • Vienna International Airport
    LOWW, Vienna, Austria

  • Warsaw Chopin Airport
    EPWA, Warschau, Germany

    Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is the largest and busiest airport in Poland, located in the capital city, Warsaw. It serves as the primary hub for LOT Polish Airlines and offers extensive domestic and international connections across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport features two intersecting runways and modern passenger terminals, handling millions of passengers annually. Warsaw Chopin Airport is a crucial gateway to Poland and a significant hub in Central and Eastern Europe, known for its efficiency and strategic location.