London Heathrow Airport: Difference between revisions

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Heathrow is the largest of the six airports serving London. The busiest airport in Europe, it is the primary hub for both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways.


==Official Spotting Locations==
==Official Spotting Locations==


===The Queens Building===
===View Heathrow Observation Deck===
On top of terminal 2. Shut, indefinitely.
A former airline lounge in Terminal 4, between gates 15 and 16. Free to enter during Terminal 4's operating hours. Only available to ticketed passengers.
 
===Terrace at Thistle London Heathrow Hotel===
This is a good spotting place since you will see the Rwy 27R / 09L. You do not need to be a overnighter to use this point. The only thing is you have to ask at the reception desk.
Bath Road, Longford
West Drayton UB7 0EQ
Phone: 0871 376 9021 / +44 845 305 8321


===Heathrow Academy===
===Heathrow Academy===
Located on North Perimeter Road, many spotters choose to spot from here. This location is good for spotting but no good for photography, because of the perimeter fence! From here runway 09L/27R has very close views and also from here views of aircraft parked in Terminal 1 Stands and part of Terminal 3 stands can be seen. Also from here the maintenance area has clear views, here park up South African (747's and A340's) and Qantas (747's). Also some executive and government planes can be seen. When the weather is right views of 09R/27L can be seen, the weather has to be perfect! Sometimes it is to hazy or sometimes too cloudy. Also at the visitors centre there is an [expensive] cafe - although this is only open on weekdays. But there is a McDonald's over the road. Also here is a a enthusiasts shop - where models, books, magazines, etc are sold. This location is only called the visitors centre, but really you are spotting in the car park it cost £1.00 per hour, so be aware of the weather. Happy Spotting at LHR, there are some interesting planes to be seen here, I have listed some further down the article.


The centre has now re-opened under a new name, of Heathrow Academy. It is open at weekends and school holidays from 10am to 4pm. Within the centre, there is a Ritazza coffee shop (open from 7am to 4pm), there is still a aviation model shop.
The airport’s official public viewing area, a viewing stand is located at the Heathrow Academy building on Newall Road. It overlooks the northern runway. Admission is free but there is a charge for parking.


<googlemap lat="51.481102" lon="-0.441749" zoom="16">51.480608, -0.443187, Heathrow Academy</googlemap>
The Heathrow Aviation Shop, which sells models and collectibles, is located at Heathrow Academy.
 
{{#display_map:
51.480608, -0.443187~Heathrow Academy
| type=satellite
| zoom=16
}}
 
===Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3===
 
The [https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lhrhegi-hilton-garden-inn-london-heathrow-terminals-2-and-3/ Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3] has opened it's rooftop [https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lhrhegi-hilton-garden-inn-london-heathrow-terminals-2-and-3/dining/ Runway Bar] to the public. Check in with the reception desk on level 2 to access the bar. Large cameras and tripods are not permitted, however binoculars and photography with phones are allowed. Visitors are required to make a £25 minimum purchase. The bar is open from 3pm to midnight, with children under 14 permitted until 7pm. See [https://www.instagram.com/p/CRFCDaWsKes/ this Instagram post] for more details.
 
===The Queens Building===
On top of terminal 2. Shut, indefinitely.


==Other Spotting Locations==
==Other Spotting Locations==
Line 24: Line 44:
{{anetlink|802551}}
{{anetlink|802551}}


===Block 94 crash gate===
A real no-no, the Police will see you off from here quicker than anything! If you dare to venture into here, as it is open, be aware it's not advisable to hang around for too long. Shots of a/c lining up at B94 (for 27L) can be had though, should you get lucky.
{{anetlink|881225}}
Or shots of landing a/c onto 27L also.
{{anetlink|887541}}
Almost as good a spot is across the dual carriageway, which is perfectly fine, where landing a/c can be shot over the fence.
{{anetlink|887540}}
===09L Field===
===09L Field===
There's a field similar to that found at Myrtle Avenue, although this one is for 09L arrivals. Very nice in the mornings when light from the rising Sun hits the fans.
There's a field similar to that found at Myrtle Avenue, although this one is for 09L arrivals. Very nice in the mornings when light from the rising Sun hits the fans.
{{anetlink|955969}}
{{anetlink|955969}}
===Hilton Hill===
===Hilton Hill===
Either walk from Myrtle Av. or from terminal 4. Expect a 15 minute walk from Myrtle, 5 from T4. The hill is on the side of the road that leads into terminal 4 itself. Plenty of space to not bother anyone. Very hazy in the summer though. Only good for 27L arrival shots, with a different backdrop from the "normal" LHR ones.
Either walk from Myrtle Av. or from terminal 4. Expect a 15 minute walk from Myrtle, 5 from T4. The hill is on the side of the road that leads into terminal 4 itself. Plenty of space to not bother anyone. Very hazy in the summer though. Only good for 27L arrival shots, with a different backdrop from the "normal" LHR ones.
{{anetlink|891165}}
{{anetlink|891165}}
===Line ups on 27R===
===Line ups on 27R===
Shooting through the fence on the Northern Perimeter Road. Excellent spot on late summer evenings when the Sun is almost behind you.
Shooting through the fence on the Northern Perimeter Road. Excellent spot on late summer evenings when the Sun is almost behind you.
{{anetlink|949901}}
{{anetlink|949901}}
===Gate by Road Crossing===
Only good for 27R ops. Better for landing traffic than departing. Spot is by the mini roundabout near the white huts. Where the a/c cross the road from the airport to the maintenance area there's a red and white gate. Excellent spot for touch downs on 27R.
{{anetlink|950006}}
Aircraft being tugged across the road are also easily shot here too.
{{anetlink|802553}}
''This area has now been '''closed''' (as of mid March 2006) with the road being diverted around the back of the BA Maintenance Area, so any shots taken from the level crossing are now impossible.''


===Myrtle Avenue===
===Myrtle Avenue===
A field at the end of Myrtle Avenue, by the approach lights for 27L. By foot, either walk from terminal 4 northbound alongside the dual carriageway or southbound from Hatton cross tube. The field can not be missed; it's about a 10 minute walk from either end. <br />
A field at the end of Myrtle Avenue, by the approach lights for 27L. By foot, either walk from terminal 4 northbound alongside the dual carriageway or southbound from Hatton Cross tube. The field can not be missed; it's about a 10 minute walk from either end.


{{anetlink|956772}}
{{anetlink|956772}}
Line 55: Line 63:
{{anetlink|907596}}
{{anetlink|907596}}


===09R banking/climbout shots:Tesco Dukes Green===
===09R banking/climbout shots: Tesco Dukes Green===
Excellent spot just outside the airport perimeter,located on the A312.About a 10-15 minute southbound walk from Hatton Cross tube station.A good spot for shooting banking,heavy takeoffs when 09R is use(about 30% of the time)especially for heavy A340s.
Excellent spot just outside the airport perimeter,located on the A312. About a 10-15 minute southbound walk from Hatton Cross tube station. A good spot for shooting banking, heavy takeoffs when 09R is use (about 30% of the time).


{{anetlink|809816}}
{{anetlink|809816}}
{{anetlink|816157}}
{{anetlink|816157}}


===27L climbouts:Former Essso garage alongside the southern perimeter road===
===27L climbouts: Former Essso garage alongside the southern perimeter road===
Popular spot for capturing takeoffs from 27L.Hard to park the car here now as the slip lane as been coned off to prevent such activity!Possible to get a bus to the cargo centre but and walk westbound for about 10minutes.Brick bollards provide useful height for shooting aircraft climbing out slowly after a long takeoff run.
Popular spot for capturing takeoffs from 27L. Hard to park the car here now as the slip lane as been coned off to prevent such activity! Possible to get a bus to the cargo centre but and walk westbound for about 10 minutes. Brick bollards provide useful height for shooting aircraft climbing out slowly after a long takeoff run.


{{anetlink|767759}}
{{anetlink|767759}}
{{anetlink|816429}}
{{anetlink|816429}}


 
Note: The garage re-opened as of July 2007.
Note : The garage has now re-opened. ( July 2007 )


===Perimeter road in north-west corner 27R climbouts===
===Perimeter road in north-west corner 27R climbouts===
Line 77: Line 84:


===27R final approaches from the mini trading estate===
===27R final approaches from the mini trading estate===
Given the road works and the imminent closing of the 'road crossing road' this area may not be around for too much longer.This spot is on a small trading estate,just off the perimeter road,comprising a series of mainly single tier buildings and is generally quiet at the weekend.Parking the car is not advised here as it is a private estate.Others prefer to shoot from the roundabout on the perimeter road and the little patch of land next to it but I personally find that you are a little too 'under' the aircraft compared to the trading estate spot.
Given the road works and the imminent closing of the 'road crossing road' this area may not be around for too much longer. This spot is on a small trading estate, just off the perimeter road, comprising a series of mainly single tier buildings and is generally quiet at the weekend. Parking the car is not advised here as it is a private estate. Others prefer to shoot from the roundabout on the perimeter road and the little patch of land next to it but I personally find that you are a little too 'under' the aircraft compared to the trading estate spot.


{{anetlink|818386}}
{{anetlink|818386}}


===Runway 27R touchdowns===
===Runway 27R touchdowns===
Like the 27R climb outs spot,the light here is only good about 1/2 of the year as you are facing south but it is perfect for evening photography.A few different angles can be had from along the north perimeter road depending on where exactly you shoot from.
Like the 27R climb outs spot, the light here is only good about 1/2 of the year as you are facing south but it is perfect for evening photography. A few different angles can be had from along the north perimeter road depending on where exactly you shoot from.


{{anetlink|907626}}
{{anetlink|907626}}
Line 89: Line 96:


==Airside Spotting Locations==
==Airside Spotting Locations==
===Airside - Terminal 1; Gate 8 - bmi domestic Lounge===
Glazed floor to Ceiling overlooking the eastern end of the Northern Runway (27R/09L). Touchdowns on 27R, and taxiing aircraft visible. Aircraft landing on 09L have mostly left the runway and those for Terminal 3 turned away before getting close.


{{afleetlink|25901}}
===Airside - Terminal 4 ===
{{afleetlink|25182}}
View Heathrow is located up some stairs opposite Gate 11. This is a small spectators area, which has Flightradar24 screens installed. Last time visited (June 2017) none of these were working. View Heathrow has excellent views over 27L and movements from Terminal 2 and 4. Facing North is good for photography with minimal reflections.


===Airside - Terminal 1; Gates 36-56 ===
In addition to the windows behind the duty free shop the Gate 23 area has windows overlooking the southern taxiway and 27L holding point.
Gates 36-56 are located in a glass and steel building at the extreme eastern end of the central area with views over runway 23 and B pier of Terminal 1. There are plenty of windows that line up with gaps in the parked aircraft and photography is best in the afternoon. On the down side the northern most gate offering the best views can be closed off by moveable barriers if it is being used for flights to Israel.
WARNING:If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway)to check the monitors there.


===Airside - Terminal 4 ===
WARNING: If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway) to check the monitors there.
In addition to the windows behind the duty free shop the Gate 23 area has windows overlooking the southern taxiway and 27L holding point.
WARNING:If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway) to check the monitors there.


===Airside - Terminal 5 ===
===Airside - Terminal 5 ===
If you take a trip to Terminal 5, you will be able to capture ground traffic, but also departures and arrivals on all runways, depending on which side of the terminal you are. If you arrive at terminal 5 by the main entrance, and turn left or right before entering the terminal, you will get to the end of the terminal next to the arriving perimeter roads. From here, you will be able to see ground traffic and lots of pushbacks from the Terminal 5 ramps. If the active runways are 09's then you will be able to see very close arrivals and departures at your eyeline, and if the active is 27's then you will be able to photograph climb outs.
If you take a trip to Terminal 5, you will be able to capture ground traffic, but also departures and arrivals on all runways, depending on which side of the terminal you are. If you arrive at terminal 5 by the main entrance, and turn left or right before entering the terminal, you will get to the end of the terminal next to the arriving perimeter roads. From here, you will be able to see ground traffic and lots of pushbacks from the Terminal 5 ramps. If the active runways are 09's then you will be able to see very close arrivals and departures at your eyeline, and if the active is 27's then you will be able to photograph climb outs.
Sometimes police will stop you from spotting here, but i shouldn't see it occurring much, as it's only happened to me once.
 
Sometimes police will stop you from spotting here, but I shouldn't see it occurring much, as it's only happened to me once.


{{jplink|6506394}}
{{jplink|6506394}}
Line 112: Line 114:


===Airport Car Parks===
===Airport Car Parks===
I used to use the airport short stay car parks to spot, but since security has rose the BAA security move you on VERY quickly. These are very expensive anyway, MY HINT IS TO NOT SPOT FROM THE CAR PARKS!
I used to use the airport short stay car parks to spot, but since security has rose the BAA security move you on VERY quickly. These are very expensive.
 
===Block 94 crash gate===
A real no-no, the Police will see you off from here quicker than anything! If you dare to venture into here, as it is open, be aware it's not advisable to hang around for too long. Shots of aircraft lining up at B94 (for 27L) can be had though, should you get lucky.
 
{{anetlink|881225}}
 
Or shots of landing a/c onto 27L also.
 
{{anetlink|887541}}
 
Almost as good a spot is across the dual carriageway, which is perfectly fine, where landing aircraft can be shot over the fence.
 
{{anetlink|887540}}
 


==Regular Traffic==
==Regular Traffic==
British Airways, BMI British Midlands, Heavies from Asia,EU Carriers, 777/767/747 from America.
 
===Passenger===
 
{| class="wikitable"
!Airline
!Aircraft
!Terminal
|-
|Aegean Airlines
|A321neo
|2
|-
|Aer Lingus
|A320neo, A321neo
|2
|-
|Aeromexico
|787-9
|3
|-
|Air Algerie
|737-800
|4
|-
|Air Astana
|A321neo
|4
|-
|Air Canada
|737 MAX 8, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9, A330-300
|2
|-
|Air China
|777-300ER, A350-900
|2
|-
|Air France
|A220-300, A318-100
|4
|-
|Air India
|777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9, A350-900
|2
|-
|Air Peace
|777-200
|3
|-
|Air Serbia
|A220-300 (operated by AirBaltic), A319-100
|4
|-
|Alaska Airlines
|787-9
|3
|-
|All Nippon Airways
|777-300ER
|2
|-
|American Airlines
|777-200, 777-300ER, 787-9
|3
|-
|Asiana Airlines
|A350-900
|2
|-
|Austrian Airlines
|A320neo
|2
|-
|Avianca
|787-8
|2
|-
|Azerbaijan Airlines
|787-8
|4
|-
|Beijing Capital Airlines
|A330-300
|3
|-
|Biman Bangladesh Airlines
|787-8
|4
|-
|British Airways
|777-200, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9, 787-10, A319-100, A320-200, A320neo, A321-200, A321neo, A350-1000, A380-800
|3, 5
|-
|Brussels Airlines
|A320neo
|2
|-
|Bulgaria Air
|A220-100
|4
|-
|Cathay Pacific Airways
|777-300ER, A350-900, A350-1000
|3
|-
|China Airlines
|A350-900
|3
|-
|China Eastern Airlines
|777-300ER
|4
|-
|China Southern Airlines
|787-9, A350-900
|4
|-
|Croatia Airlines
|A220-300
|2
|-
|Delta Air Lines
|767-400ER, A330-200, A330-900neo
|3
|-
|Egyptair
|777-300ER, A320neo
|2
|-
|El Al Israel Airlines
|777-200, 787-8, 787-9
|4
|-
|Emirates Airline
|777-300ER, A380-800
|3
|-
|Ethiopian Airlines
|A350-1000
|2
|-
|Etihad Airways
|777-300ER, A350-1000, A380-800
|4
|-
|Eurowings
|A319-100, A320neo
|2
|-
|EVA Air
|777-300ER
|2
|-
|Finnair
|A321-200, A350-900
|3
|-
|Gulf Air
|787-9
|4
|-
|Hainan Airlines
|787-9
|3
|-
|Iberia
|A320neo
|5
|-
|Icelandair
|737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9
|2
|-
|IndiGo
|787-9
|3
|-
|ITA Airways
|A320neo, A321neo
|2
|-
|Japan Airlines
|787-8, A350-1000
|3
|-
|JetBlue Airways
|A321neo
|2
|-
|Kenya Airways
|787-8
|4
|-
|KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
|A321neo
|4
|-
|KLM CityHopper
|E195-E2
|4
|-
|KM Malta Airlines
|A320neo
|4
|-
|Korean Air
|777-300ER
|4
|-
|Kuwait Airways
|777-300ER
|4
|-
|LATAM Airlines
|777-300ER
|3
|-
|Loganair
|ATR 72-600, ERJ-145
|2
|-
|LOT Polish Airlines
|737 MAX 8
|2
|-
|Lufthansa
|A320neo, A321neo
|2
|-
|Lufthansa City Airlines
|A320neo
|2
|-
|Malaysia Airlines
|A350-900
|4
|-
|MEA Middle East Airlines
|A321neo
|2
|-
|Oman Air
|787-9
|4
|-
|Pakistan International Airlines
|777-200
|4
|-
|Qantas Airways
|787-9, A380-800
|3
|-
|Qatar Airways
|777-300ER, A350-900
|4
|-
|Riyadh Air
|787-9
|4
|-
|Royal Air Maroc
|737 MAX 8
|4
|-
|Royal Brunei Airlines
|787-8
|4
|-
|Royal Jordanian Airlines
|787-8
|3
|-
|RwandAir
|A330-200
|4
|-
|SAS Scandinavian Airlines
|A320neo
|2
|-
|Saudia
|777-300ER, 787-9, 787-10
|4
|-
|Shenzhen Airlines
|A330-300
|2
|-
|Singapore Airlines
|777-300ER, A380-800
|2
|-
|Sri Lankan Airlines
|A330-300
|3
|-
|Swiss International Air Lines
|A220-300 (operated by Swiss International Air Lines and AirBaltic), A321neo
|2
|-
|TAP Portugal
|A320neo, A321neo
|2
|-
|Thai Airways
|777-300ER
|2
|-
|Tianjin Airlines
|A330-200
|3
|-
|Tunisair
|A320neo
|4
|-
|Turkish Airlines
|777-300ER, A321neo, A330-300, A350-900
|2
|-
|United Airlines
|767-300, 777-200, 787-9
|2
|-
|Uzbekistan Airways
|787-8
|4
|-
|Vietnam Airlines
|787-9
|4
|-
|Virgin Atlantic Airways
|787-9, A330-300, A330-900neo, A350-1000
|3
|-
|Vueling
|A320-200
|4
|-
|WestJet
|787-9
|4
|}
 
===Cargo===
 
{| class="wikitable"
!Airline
!Aircraft
|-
|DHL
|A300-600
|-
|Korean Air Cargo
|777F
|-
|Singapore Airlines Cargo
|747-400
|}


==Facilities and Transportation==
==Facilities and Transportation==


Heathrow airport is connected directly by Tube (Piccadilly line) and Rail (Heathrow Express) to central London. The Tube is not too expensive for a day ticket, and it takes about 45 minutes from Kings Cross. The Heathrow Express is much faster, but it is a lot more expensive and doesn't allow you to stop at Hatton Cross, which is a more advised station than Heathrow Terminals 1,2&3.
Heathrow airport is connected directly by Tube (Piccadilly Line) and Rail (Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express) to central London. The Tube is the least expensive but also slowest option, and it takes about 45 minutes from Kings Cross. The Heathrow Express is much faster and more expensive, as it travels nonstop between Terminals 2/3 and Paddington Station. The Elizabeth Line replaces the former Heathrow Connect service, following the same route as Heathrow Express to Paddington, but making several intermediate stops. Elizabeth Line trains continue past Paddington across London, while Heathrow Express trains terminate there and require a transfer to another service for onward destinations. Whether Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line, or Piccadilly Line are most convenient depends on your ultimate destination in London. However, the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line only stop at the terminals themselves, while the Piccadilly Line stop at Hatton Cross may be more suitable for reaching locations for spotting.
There are also a number of buses which go to Heathrow from cities in the southeast, but I have not used these myself.
 
There are also a number of buses which go to Heathrow from cities in the southeast.


Get off at the Hatton Cross tube station to catch 27L&R Arrivals and 9L&R Departures, with most of the named sites not a long walk away.
Get off at the Hatton Cross tube station to catch 27L&R Arrivals and 9L&R Departures, with most of the named sites not a long walk away.


From Heathrow airport itself (T's 1,2&3) you can catch a free bus to the new Terminal 5 site where you can see 27L&R Departures and 9L&R arrivals not a long walk away.
From Heathrow airport itself (T's 1,2&3) you can catch a bus to the Terminal 5 site where you can see 27L&R Departures and 9L&R arrivals not a long walk away.


South West Trains runs a regular service from Central London / Clapham Junction to Feltham, where it is easy to board the 4 times hourly Service 285 to Hatton Cross Tube Station, where it is an easy walk to view 27L/R arrivals.
South West Trains runs a regular service from Central London / Clapham Junction to Feltham, where it is easy to board the 4 times hourly Service 285 to Hatton Cross Tube Station, where it is an easy walk to view 27L/R arrivals.


==External Links==
==External Links==
*[http://twitter.com/LHR_movements @LHR_movements] - Twitter feed of interesting arrivals/departures and other LHR news
*[https://forums4airports.com/forums/492/ Forum for Heathrow Airport] For LHR spotters, aviation enthusiasts as well as aviation professionals wishing to discuss all aspects of Heathrow airport.
*[http://spotterlead.net/EGLL/spotting London Heathrow Planespotting Timetables] London Heathrow Planespotting Timetables: Live flights, weather reports, runway usage, lighting conditions.

Latest revision as of 07:27, 7 June 2026

Continent: Europe Country: United Kingdom Region: England
London Heathrow Airport
Location London, England
IATA code LHR
ICAO code EGLL
Airport type Commercial
Website http://www.heathrowairport.com
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 118.7, 118.5
Ground 121.9, 121.7
Clearance 121.975
Approach 120.4
Departure118.5
ATIS
Plane Spotting Hotels guide

Heathrow is the largest of the six airports serving London. The busiest airport in Europe, it is the primary hub for both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Official Spotting Locations

View Heathrow Observation Deck

A former airline lounge in Terminal 4, between gates 15 and 16. Free to enter during Terminal 4's operating hours. Only available to ticketed passengers.

Terrace at Thistle London Heathrow Hotel

This is a good spotting place since you will see the Rwy 27R / 09L. You do not need to be a overnighter to use this point. The only thing is you have to ask at the reception desk. Bath Road, Longford West Drayton UB7 0EQ Phone: 0871 376 9021 / +44 845 305 8321

Heathrow Academy

The airport’s official public viewing area, a viewing stand is located at the Heathrow Academy building on Newall Road. It overlooks the northern runway. Admission is free but there is a charge for parking.

The Heathrow Aviation Shop, which sells models and collectibles, is located at Heathrow Academy.

Loading map...

Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3

The Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 has opened it's rooftop Runway Bar to the public. Check in with the reception desk on level 2 to access the bar. Large cameras and tripods are not permitted, however binoculars and photography with phones are allowed. Visitors are required to make a £25 minimum purchase. The bar is open from 3pm to midnight, with children under 14 permitted until 7pm. See this Instagram post for more details.

The Queens Building

On top of terminal 2. Shut, indefinitely.

Other Spotting Locations

Rwy 27 threshold

Early in the morning, if traffic is coming down on 27R, you could get lucky and witness dual rwy ops/landings. In such cases most the BA heavies will opt for 27L whilst a lot of the T3 traffic will land on 27R.

09L Field

There's a field similar to that found at Myrtle Avenue, although this one is for 09L arrivals. Very nice in the mornings when light from the rising Sun hits the fans.

Hilton Hill

Either walk from Myrtle Av. or from terminal 4. Expect a 15 minute walk from Myrtle, 5 from T4. The hill is on the side of the road that leads into terminal 4 itself. Plenty of space to not bother anyone. Very hazy in the summer though. Only good for 27L arrival shots, with a different backdrop from the "normal" LHR ones.

Line ups on 27R

Shooting through the fence on the Northern Perimeter Road. Excellent spot on late summer evenings when the Sun is almost behind you.

Myrtle Avenue

A field at the end of Myrtle Avenue, by the approach lights for 27L. By foot, either walk from terminal 4 northbound alongside the dual carriageway or southbound from Hatton Cross tube. The field can not be missed; it's about a 10 minute walk from either end.

09R banking/climbout shots: Tesco Dukes Green

Excellent spot just outside the airport perimeter,located on the A312. About a 10-15 minute southbound walk from Hatton Cross tube station. A good spot for shooting banking, heavy takeoffs when 09R is use (about 30% of the time).

27L climbouts: Former Essso garage alongside the southern perimeter road

Popular spot for capturing takeoffs from 27L. Hard to park the car here now as the slip lane as been coned off to prevent such activity! Possible to get a bus to the cargo centre but and walk westbound for about 10 minutes. Brick bollards provide useful height for shooting aircraft climbing out slowly after a long takeoff run.

Note: The garage re-opened as of July 2007.

Perimeter road in north-west corner 27R climbouts

The perimeter road in the far north-west corner also provides some excellent opportunities for 27R climbout shots although the sun is not far round enough for this spot to be effective during the winter and autumn months.

27R final approaches from the mini trading estate

Given the road works and the imminent closing of the 'road crossing road' this area may not be around for too much longer. This spot is on a small trading estate, just off the perimeter road, comprising a series of mainly single tier buildings and is generally quiet at the weekend. Parking the car is not advised here as it is a private estate. Others prefer to shoot from the roundabout on the perimeter road and the little patch of land next to it but I personally find that you are a little too 'under' the aircraft compared to the trading estate spot.

Runway 27R touchdowns

Like the 27R climb outs spot, the light here is only good about 1/2 of the year as you are facing south but it is perfect for evening photography. A few different angles can be had from along the north perimeter road depending on where exactly you shoot from.

Airside Spotting Locations

Airside - Terminal 4

View Heathrow is located up some stairs opposite Gate 11. This is a small spectators area, which has Flightradar24 screens installed. Last time visited (June 2017) none of these were working. View Heathrow has excellent views over 27L and movements from Terminal 2 and 4. Facing North is good for photography with minimal reflections.

In addition to the windows behind the duty free shop the Gate 23 area has windows overlooking the southern taxiway and 27L holding point.

WARNING: If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway) to check the monitors there.

Airside - Terminal 5

If you take a trip to Terminal 5, you will be able to capture ground traffic, but also departures and arrivals on all runways, depending on which side of the terminal you are. If you arrive at terminal 5 by the main entrance, and turn left or right before entering the terminal, you will get to the end of the terminal next to the arriving perimeter roads. From here, you will be able to see ground traffic and lots of pushbacks from the Terminal 5 ramps. If the active runways are 09's then you will be able to see very close arrivals and departures at your eyeline, and if the active is 27's then you will be able to photograph climb outs.

Sometimes police will stop you from spotting here, but I shouldn't see it occurring much, as it's only happened to me once.

  • JetPhotos.net sample photo: large

Locations to Avoid

Airport Car Parks

I used to use the airport short stay car parks to spot, but since security has rose the BAA security move you on VERY quickly. These are very expensive.

Block 94 crash gate

A real no-no, the Police will see you off from here quicker than anything! If you dare to venture into here, as it is open, be aware it's not advisable to hang around for too long. Shots of aircraft lining up at B94 (for 27L) can be had though, should you get lucky.

Or shots of landing a/c onto 27L also.

Almost as good a spot is across the dual carriageway, which is perfectly fine, where landing aircraft can be shot over the fence.


Regular Traffic

Passenger

Airline Aircraft Terminal
Aegean Airlines A321neo 2
Aer Lingus A320neo, A321neo 2
Aeromexico 787-9 3
Air Algerie 737-800 4
Air Astana A321neo 4
Air Canada 737 MAX 8, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9, A330-300 2
Air China 777-300ER, A350-900 2
Air France A220-300, A318-100 4
Air India 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9, A350-900 2
Air Peace 777-200 3
Air Serbia A220-300 (operated by AirBaltic), A319-100 4
Alaska Airlines 787-9 3
All Nippon Airways 777-300ER 2
American Airlines 777-200, 777-300ER, 787-9 3
Asiana Airlines A350-900 2
Austrian Airlines A320neo 2
Avianca 787-8 2
Azerbaijan Airlines 787-8 4
Beijing Capital Airlines A330-300 3
Biman Bangladesh Airlines 787-8 4
British Airways 777-200, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9, 787-10, A319-100, A320-200, A320neo, A321-200, A321neo, A350-1000, A380-800 3, 5
Brussels Airlines A320neo 2
Bulgaria Air A220-100 4
Cathay Pacific Airways 777-300ER, A350-900, A350-1000 3
China Airlines A350-900 3
China Eastern Airlines 777-300ER 4
China Southern Airlines 787-9, A350-900 4
Croatia Airlines A220-300 2
Delta Air Lines 767-400ER, A330-200, A330-900neo 3
Egyptair 777-300ER, A320neo 2
El Al Israel Airlines 777-200, 787-8, 787-9 4
Emirates Airline 777-300ER, A380-800 3
Ethiopian Airlines A350-1000 2
Etihad Airways 777-300ER, A350-1000, A380-800 4
Eurowings A319-100, A320neo 2
EVA Air 777-300ER 2
Finnair A321-200, A350-900 3
Gulf Air 787-9 4
Hainan Airlines 787-9 3
Iberia A320neo 5
Icelandair 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9 2
IndiGo 787-9 3
ITA Airways A320neo, A321neo 2
Japan Airlines 787-8, A350-1000 3
JetBlue Airways A321neo 2
Kenya Airways 787-8 4
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines A321neo 4
KLM CityHopper E195-E2 4
KM Malta Airlines A320neo 4
Korean Air 777-300ER 4
Kuwait Airways 777-300ER 4
LATAM Airlines 777-300ER 3
Loganair ATR 72-600, ERJ-145 2
LOT Polish Airlines 737 MAX 8 2
Lufthansa A320neo, A321neo 2
Lufthansa City Airlines A320neo 2
Malaysia Airlines A350-900 4
MEA Middle East Airlines A321neo 2
Oman Air 787-9 4
Pakistan International Airlines 777-200 4
Qantas Airways 787-9, A380-800 3
Qatar Airways 777-300ER, A350-900 4
Riyadh Air 787-9 4
Royal Air Maroc 737 MAX 8 4
Royal Brunei Airlines 787-8 4
Royal Jordanian Airlines 787-8 3
RwandAir A330-200 4
SAS Scandinavian Airlines A320neo 2
Saudia 777-300ER, 787-9, 787-10 4
Shenzhen Airlines A330-300 2
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER, A380-800 2
Sri Lankan Airlines A330-300 3
Swiss International Air Lines A220-300 (operated by Swiss International Air Lines and AirBaltic), A321neo 2
TAP Portugal A320neo, A321neo 2
Thai Airways 777-300ER 2
Tianjin Airlines A330-200 3
Tunisair A320neo 4
Turkish Airlines 777-300ER, A321neo, A330-300, A350-900 2
United Airlines 767-300, 777-200, 787-9 2
Uzbekistan Airways 787-8 4
Vietnam Airlines 787-9 4
Virgin Atlantic Airways 787-9, A330-300, A330-900neo, A350-1000 3
Vueling A320-200 4
WestJet 787-9 4

Cargo

Airline Aircraft
DHL A300-600
Korean Air Cargo 777F
Singapore Airlines Cargo 747-400

Facilities and Transportation

Heathrow airport is connected directly by Tube (Piccadilly Line) and Rail (Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express) to central London. The Tube is the least expensive but also slowest option, and it takes about 45 minutes from Kings Cross. The Heathrow Express is much faster and more expensive, as it travels nonstop between Terminals 2/3 and Paddington Station. The Elizabeth Line replaces the former Heathrow Connect service, following the same route as Heathrow Express to Paddington, but making several intermediate stops. Elizabeth Line trains continue past Paddington across London, while Heathrow Express trains terminate there and require a transfer to another service for onward destinations. Whether Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line, or Piccadilly Line are most convenient depends on your ultimate destination in London. However, the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line only stop at the terminals themselves, while the Piccadilly Line stop at Hatton Cross may be more suitable for reaching locations for spotting.

There are also a number of buses which go to Heathrow from cities in the southeast.

Get off at the Hatton Cross tube station to catch 27L&R Arrivals and 9L&R Departures, with most of the named sites not a long walk away.

From Heathrow airport itself (T's 1,2&3) you can catch a bus to the Terminal 5 site where you can see 27L&R Departures and 9L&R arrivals not a long walk away.

South West Trains runs a regular service from Central London / Clapham Junction to Feltham, where it is easy to board the 4 times hourly Service 285 to Hatton Cross Tube Station, where it is an easy walk to view 27L/R arrivals.

External Links

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