Experience airport operations in real time –for spotters and aviation
Watch the aircraft and immerse yourself in all the action at the airport – useful information for plane spotters and aircraft fans.
Re-opening of spotter sites:
Our spotter sites will be open again for everyone as of Thursday, 28 May 2020.
The grill & food stalls are open in accordance with covid-19 hygiene procedures. Please enquire on site about the procedures and opening hours. Zurich Airport thanks you for cooperation!
Activate spotter mode - don't miss any of the action
Activate spotter mode in your personal profile to receive additional information about flights, such as aircraft type. What’s more, all flights taking off and landing at Zurich Airport are visible on the flight schedule.
Activate spotter mode
For a more in-depth insight into the exciting world of aviation, activate spotter mode now.
The best spotter sites
You’ll find the best spotter sites and additional information about the airport and air traffic on our spotter map.
In addition, you can use our links to the flight schedule, live aeronautical radio and flight radar, as well as the course of the sun, to make sure you're in the right place at the right time (see links below).
Observation decks B and E
Observation deck B in the public area offers you an unobstructed view of runway 16/34 and aircraft stands Alpha and Bravo. From here, you get the best view of all aircraft taking off and landing. You can also watch the handling process close up.
Observation deck E in the passenger zone near Dock E offers you a perfect panorama of runway 16/34, aircraft taxiing on runway 14, Dock A and the stand for the impressive A380 at Gate E67. You can also get a closer view of air traffic on runway 28.
Spotter's hill in the west
At 4 metres high in the western part of the airport premises, spotter's hill gives you an unobstructed view of the intersection of runways 10/28 and 16/34, the Airside Center and Docks A, B and E.
In addition, peepholes in the fence allow a good view of the air traffic and the helicopters parked at the heliport, as well as the aircraft parked on the Whiskey stands.
The nearby «Heligrill» food helicopter provides refreshments.
More information
Spotter points in the north
Spotter point 1
This perspective from the north-west of the airport alongside runway 16/34 gives you a view of landings on runway 14 and take-offs on and line-ups for runway 16. A little further away is runway 14/32, where you can sometimes see take-offs on runway 32.
Note for photographers: we recommend taking a ladder.
Spotter points 2, 3 and 4
Most of the air traffic can be seen at the upper end of runways 14 and 16. This is where you'll find spotter points 2, 3 and 4.
If the weather is good, you can see the full length of runways 16/34 and 14/32 from here – including line-ups for runway 16. There are also plenty of parking spaces and various snack stands there.
More information
Spotter point 1
Spotter point 2
Spotter point 3
Spotter point 4
Spotter point in the east
Spotter point 5
At the beginning of runway 28, you can enjoy a fabulous view of runway 10/28. Depending on the approach plan, the aircraft fly directly over the spotter point, giving you the opportunity to take spectacular shots of the aircraft coming in above the runway lighting.
If there is a north-easterly wind, runway 10 is used for take-offs. In this case, this spot is perfect for getting shots of the aircraft from the front as they take off.
Note for photographers: we recommend taking a ladder when photographing departing aircraft.
More information
Spotter point 5
Spotter point in the south
Spotter point 6
This point offers an excellent frontal view of aircraft taking off on runway 16. In the morning and evening, you can watch landings on runway 34. It is also possible to view interesting aircraft parked on the Tango stands, ready for maintenance at SR Technics.
More information
Spotter point 6
Important links and documents for aviation fans
Arrival and parking options
Contact from Monday to Friday
Our Visitor Services & Events Team will be happy to help you.
