Munich Airport

Continent: Europe Country: Germany
Diamond-caution.png Please note that the use of airband scanners in Germany is illegal.


Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport
Location Munich, Germany
IATA code MUC
ICAO code EDDM
Airport type Commercial
Website http://www.munich-airport.de
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 118.70 (North)
120.50 (South)
Ground 121.97 (Ground North)
121.82 (Ground South)
121.77 (Apron 1)
121.70 (Apron 2)
121.92 (Apron 3)
Clearance 121.72
Approach 118.82 (Director)
Departure123.90 (North)
127.95 (South)
ATIS 123.12
Plane Spotting Hotels guide

The Munich Airport is located 28.5 kilometers north-east of the center of Munich, the Bavarian Capital, at 448 meters above sea level (NN).

Official Spotting Locations

Terminal 2: Visitors Terrace - Skywalk

Take the Skywalk from Level 05 in the public area of Terminal 2.
Views are onto Terminal 2 apron, the aircraft handling area and the runways.
However, all views from this area are through glass, so it is questionable if it is good for photography.
Opening times: Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Admission price: €2 (automated turnstiles only; bring exact cash)

Visitors Hill / Visitors Park

 
The Viewing Hill in the background.

The observation platform atop the 28-metre Viewing Hill provides views of Terminal 1-apron and activities on both runways. However, action at Terimal 2 is can not be seen, as the terminal buildings block views. It is either 172 steps to the top or a graded footpath circling the hill.
Be aware, that there is no real shelter from the elements on the hill.

To reach this location from the Terminals, take S-Bahn for one station only.
Opening times: 24h
Admission: €1 (bring coins); combined ticket with Info Center / Exhibition / Aircraft visit available.

Spotters hills along the runways

Alongside each of the two runways there is a dedicated spotters hill complete with car park (no charges for car parking or access to the hill). These locations are too far away from the terminal in order to reach them on foot. Car or bike are recommended. The one to the south at 48.340930, 11.795520 gives also (rather distant) views of Terminal 2 area and the sun will be behind you for action on runway 08R/26L. Be prepared for intersection departures of smaller aircraft on runway 26L.

Other Spotting Locations

Foot paths along the extensive street-system within the airport provide options for shooting aircraft on taxiways. However, at most times, aircraft will be positioned higher than the photographer. As usual, fences can obstruct views.

Locations to Avoid

None. The area is pretty safe and as long as you do not park illegally, police tend to be friendly.

Regular Traffic

MUC handled about 34 million passengers in 2007, so it is among the busier airports in Europe. Although longhaul traffic is growing at MUC, the vast majority of passengers are transported in aircraft the size of Boeing B737 / Airbus A320 and smaller.
Lufthansa, together with its affiliates and Star Alliance partners, dominates traffic at MUC; they are the exclusive users of Terminal 2.
Details of other airlines (all using Terminal 1) can be found on wikipedia (see link below).

Facilities and Transportation

Details can be found on Wikipedia (see link below).

External Links