gatwick airport plane spotting
Plane spotting at gatwick airport isn't easy. BAA closed the offical viewing area, leaving two unofficial spots, neither of which are very good. If you happen to be flying out of gatwick though, there are some great views in the departure gates.
There are three main areas for plane spotting at gatwick airport, the spectators gallery (or 'skyview' - which is currently closed), from the on airport car parks and from the end of the runway 08R (which is not used very often).
Official Viewing Area (or "Skyview")
The official airport and plane viewing area at gatwick airport is called the 'skyview' and is located on the top of the South Terminal.
It did offer good views of the south terminal, with the north terminal is much more distant. However, with the increasing expansion of the airport, views diminished and it was closed in April 2004. BAA said a while back that it may reopen, we will keep you informed.
The Airport Car Parks
Like most other airports, some of the best views of gatwick airport are available from the airport car parks. But, because these are not official viewing areas, you are likely to be spotted yourself, and moved on!
The top floor of the short stay car park at the south terminal (car park one) offers the best views. It is the first car park as you enter short stay car parks for the south terminal. From the top floor of car park one aircraft arriving at gatwick can be photographed easily. You will get moved on pretty quickly though.
Another good spot is the car drop of point at the 'summer special' airport car park (which is open 365 days a year). You can see part of the runway and it's close to a couple of hangers. For close ups you'll need a zoom lens.
The down side of the airport car parks is you have to pay car parking fees (which are expensive - see our gatwick airport parking) and you will get moved on pretty quickly.
End of Runway 08R
When planes are using runway 08 (rather than the normal 26L), reasonably good views available for free. You can photograph aircraft as they approach and as they line up.
To get there head for the opposite side of the airfield to the terminals, staying as close as possible to the runway and head for the cargo area. You will come to a road that runs parallel to the runway with trees stopping you see the runway. There is a large pull-in where you should park your car. Then walk further up the road, past the long stay car park and climb the small mound to get a view of the aircraft as they line-up.
But there is a major problem with this plane spotting area. You only get to see planes when 08R is in use, and this is rare, as they usually use 26L.
