glasgow airport plane spotting
Like most of the BAA airports, there are no official spotting facilities at Glasgow airport. However, there are some good 'unofficial' spots, and there is a good understanding between plane spotters and the Police at this airport, so if you are sensible, you can get some good views / pictures.
The best spots are:
1. In the main terminal
What you can see: most of the movements and aircraft parked on the inside piers can be seen from inside the main terminal.
How to get there: Park in the short term airport car park (£2.10 an hour) or arrive on public transport.
2. The north perimeter fence
What you can see: open views of the runways and terminal area. It faces towards the sun for most of the day, but movements and most of the terminal traffic can be seen from this spot.
How to get there: From the airport follow signs marked M8 - Greenock. When you reach the large roundabout for the motorway, take the A726 to Erskine and Bishopton. Follow the road round the end of the runway, when it veers away from the runway there is a road on your right marked East Yonderton Farm. Take this road and drive along the road till you find somewhere suitable to park.
3. Emergency access gates on Abbotsinch Road
What you can see: excellent views of landing aircraft, you are very close to the taxiway and holding point when the main runway (runway 23) is in use. The last gate is close to the holding point at the end of 23 and is the best for photography but steps are required to see over the panelled fence (see the note on steps below).
How to get there: there are 3 emergency access gates on Abbotsinch Road, about a 1 mile walk after turning left outside the terminal. Please note no parking allowed here and airport security will move you on if you block the gates.
4. Emergency access gates close to the end of Runway 05
What you can see: excellent taxi, hold and landing shots when runway 05 is in use.
How to get there: it is situated at the far west of the airport beyond the new Loganair hangar on St Andrews Crescent.
Note: Using stepladders near the airport causes the Police to become 'nervous', as they could be used to climb the perimeter fence. If you wish to use ladders to take photographs, you should call the Airport Police Office on 0141 848 4515, they will usually provide permission and this will prevent alarm. Also, don't park your car close to the perimeter fence or leave it unattended, especially near the crash gates. If you don't obey 'no parking' signs, the police or airport security will move you on.
Air Band Radio frequencies (MHz)
Glasgow Tower 118.8
Approach 119.1
Radar 119.3
Ground 121.7
