Dublin Airport has submitted plans for a new plane spotting facility, and I adore this concept…
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Dublin Airport plans aircraft observation area
As flagged by Economy Class & Beyond, Dublin Airport has announced plans for a new dedicated viewing area for the public to watch planes take off and land on the airport’s runways. The aircraft observation facility will be located on the site of the current informal airport viewing point on Old Airport Road, referred to by some as “The Mound.”
The idea is to create a comfortable and safe space for the community to view aircraft movements, with a clear view of the south runway (10R/28L), and the crosswind runway (16/34). This facility will include a dedicated parking area with 22 spaces, bike parking, and an elevated, covered platform with seating. The facility will be fully lit, with power provided by solar panels located on the site.
Here’s how Gary McLean, Managing Director of Dublin Airport, describes this initiative:
“Aircraft observation facilities are a feature of airports around the world. As well as providing a plane-spotting platform, the facilities also create an interface between the airport and the local community, helping aviation enthusiasts to engage with the airport by observing aircraft movements and airport operations.”
“This location has been an informal ‘plane-spotting’ area over the past 40 years and we think it’s time to put a more formal facility in place. It’s a rite of passage for kids in Dublin to be taken to ‘The Mound’ to watch the planes landing and taking off at the airport. This new facility would make it safer and more enjoyable for users and we think it’s a facility that the local community will enjoy.”
This is such a great & fun idea
Dublin Airport deserves huge credit for this concept, and it’s something I wish we’d see at more airports. Dublin Airport isn’t alone in having some sort of an observation deck, but what makes this unique is that it’s in no way connected to the terminal. This means you’ll be able to visit it without paying inflated short term parking rates, dealing with terminal crowding, etc.
Now, I’m not surprised we don’t see more airports offer something like this. Airports are run as businesses, and they’re usually focused on cramming in as many concessions and gates as possible, since that’s how they make money. So while individual airports might not have incentives to offer facilities like this, I think they’re so important for the overall future of the aviation industry.
Aviation is an industry of passion, and many people become passionate about it at a young age. As a kid, I loved going plane spotting, and would always ask my parents to take me to Tampa Airport to watch planes. Usually this came in the form of standing in some business’ parking lot until we were asked to leave, or standing in a dirt lot.
It’s so cool to see an airport actually embrace the concept of plane spotting, and create an area that’s easily accessible, has shade, and where you’re not in anyone’s way. The airport authority might not see an immediate ROI on this investment, but I guarantee this will play an important part in igniting a passion for aviation among some young ones.
Bottom line
Dublin Airport intends to open a plane spotting facility near one of the runways. This area is already informally used by some plane spotters, but the idea is to improve it, with parking, benches, shade, and more. There aren’t many airports with dedicated plane spotting facilities not at the terminal, so huge kudos to the airport management for embracing this.
What do you make of Dublin Airport’s plans?
Love these official/unofficial spots in the US
DCA, FLL, MIA, LAX, LGA while watching a Mets game, SAN
I think you should research which airports have an observation deck. Many more than you think.
My favorite is Founders Plaza at Dallas/Fort Worth. Really enjoyable to spend time there!
LHR is just awful, there are no facilities to watch within the airport. They just seem to block all access.
Since many airports are run like businesses and don't see a direct ROI on creating a viewing area like this, why don't we see city governments creating parks around airports which have excellent plane spotting opportunities? Something like this at an airport is always going to be popular (no matter where in the world it is, as long as there are people). The local governments have money set aside for park and rec areas, might...
Since many airports are run like businesses and don't see a direct ROI on creating a viewing area like this, why don't we see city governments creating parks around airports which have excellent plane spotting opportunities? Something like this at an airport is always going to be popular (no matter where in the world it is, as long as there are people). The local governments have money set aside for park and rec areas, might as well use that for a plane-spotting park next to the airport.
That's easy: most of these facilities are located *outside* any municipalities that would. have the resources to do as you suggest.
"create an area that’s easily accessible, has shade"
You made a typo. When you said shade you meant shelter :)
Shade is rarely needed in Ireland. Shelter from rain is often needed. #Irishweather
Ben,
Don`t go to far,
Miami-MIA its very good for plane spotting and its a great show including 747´s. I have done it a few times since the 1980´s.
agree with Ben, the industry needs young people to be able to watch aeroplanes...get the passion and become pilots....etc later in life.
Zurich has multiple, nice areas with food outlets and picnic settings, along with bike/hiking trails circling the airport, which are always crowded. Greatly taken up by community and a nice way to engage (and my kids love it :-))
They should put an In-N-Out there.
This would've never happened 20 years ago, as so much of airport property design was still paralyzed by the "terrorism!" paranoia of the day. Particularly in North America, but Europe wasn't spared either. I'm just really happy to see progress beyond it.
CLT also opened a new spotting platform this weekend.
The Dublin Airport management team understood the assignment.
Check out the new overlook at CLT:
https://stuckattheairport.com/2024/06/06/the-new-overlook-at-charlotte-douglas-international-airport/
There's one very much like this at RDU, overlooking 5L/23R. With the new international traffic (AF, LH, etc.) it's better than ever.
Munich has three official plane spotting hills…
Gravelly Point (DCA) has been a terrific place to spot and hang out forever. Great memories with my father and friends. Every airport should have a geek zone!
Have you seen the updated plane spotting area at Charlotte Airport? Has a nice aviation themed kids play park. Looks awesome. It was always good, but they took it to a new level.