Throughout the propeller and early jet age, Gander was known as the gateway to the Atlantic. With every aircraft crossing the ocean needing to stop for fuel, Gander’s location in the center of Newfoundland made it an extremely popular fueling stop. During the 9/11 attacks, Gander was the most important airport in the world, with several large jets stoppping here due to the worldwide grounding of aircraft. This moment in time is depicted in the musical “Come from Away”, a must-watch to understand the importance of Gander in world history.

Today, the airport continues to serve as a fueling stop for business jets and military aircraft, which is why the aircraft movements are unlike any other airport in the world. Gander also sees regularly scheduled passenger service to major Canadian cities, with Air Canada, Westjet and Sunwing all operating here. In addition, Gander is a hub for PAL Airlines, serving several local destinations across Newfoundland and Quebec. Gander is also the primary base for EVAS Air, which operate a fleet of Beech 1900Ds on charter and medevac routes. CFB Gander, located across from the airport, houses surveillance radar and is home to the 103 SAR Helicopter Squadron. It’s also recommended to visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum to learn more about the aviation history of Gander, and to see a few retired aircraft.

Written by Shon Fridman. Last Update: September 2022

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
03/21	03/21 – 10,200ft
13/31	13/31 – 8,900ft
Terminals	Main Terminal – used by all operating airlines out of Gander – Air Canada, Westjet, Sunwing, PAL Airlines
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed for any location as there are photo holes and the fence is pretty low.
Car/Public Transport	Car needed to get to spot 4-6 as public transport is unavailable. Spot 1-3 can be reached from the terminal by foot.
Drinks/Food	There is a airport restaurant at the terminal, other options are a drive away.
Hotels	Nothing at the airport but in the city of Gander
Season	Spotting in winter is not recommended.
Security	No issues with security. Gander is also an active military base, so DO NOT ENTER THE MILITARY GATES OR ANYWHERE NEAR THE HELICOPTER SQUADRON.
Runway Usage
General Info	Runway use depends on winds, or by choice of pilot when airport is not busy. Heavier traffic likes to take runway 03/21 due to the length,

	Spot #1 – Irving FBO – Parked and Taxiing Aircraft, R13 Arrivals
WHERE	As you enter the airport circle, keep driving until you see the large Irving sign. Parking is availible on site. Fence is in the way, but easily shootable over the fence due to large holes.
WHAT	All business jets parking at Irving/Woodward, Runway 13/31 operations
TIME	Early afternoon to evening. Backlit at all other times
MISC.	Short walk from main terminal, all food/drinks and restrooms inside the building
FOCAL LENGTH	16-300mm depending on what you want to shoot

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	Spot #2 – Union East Lot – Long Term Parking/ Military
WHERE	As you drive down the airport circle (James Blvd), make a right tun right before the departures door. The spot is the parking lot across from airport restaurant, and main entrance to terminal building. There are plently of holes in the fence for shooting pleasure.
WHAT	Any large aircraft will park in this area. (747, C17, A400)
TIME	Late morning to sunset. great for night shots too.
MISC.	Short walk from main terminal, all food/drinks and restrooms inside the building
FOCAL LENGTH	55-200mm

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	Spot #3 – Power St Viewing Area – Parked and Taxiing Aircraft
WHERE	At the end of Power St., next to some hangars. Just park by the roadside and take the photos. There are photo holes at this location as well so no ladder needed.
WHAT	Parked aircraft at long-term and EVAS MRO, all movement on taxiway C
TIME	All day.
MISC.	Closest location to the 103 Squadron, so do not go inside military territory!
FOCAL LENGTH	55-200mm

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	Spot #4 – Gander Aviation/Water Bomber Hangars – R21/31 Arrivals, 13 Departures
WHERE	This spot is on the opposite side of the terminal and a car required to acess this spot. Drive on Circular Road to the very right of the hangars. There is a gravel lot from where the runway should be visible.
WHAT	All operations on 03/21.
TIME	Early morning and afternoon.
MISC.	Nothing nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

We can’t provide pictures from this location. If you do so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

	Spot #5 – Official CYQX Viewing Area – Rwy 13/31 Operations
WHERE	The official viewing area of the airport is on the north side of the airport, directly at runway 13/31. Access is possible via Airport Circular Road. There is a  little gravel parking lot directly at the fence, with installed photo holes for the photographers.
WHAT	All operations on runway 13/31, main apron
TIME	Sunny mornings, when overcast at all times of day
MISC.	Nothing in the area, make sure to bring everything you need. Food and drinks are a drive away.
FOCAL LENGTH	55-300mm

We can’t provide pictures from this location. If you do so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

	Spot #6 – ILS – 13 Arrivals
WHERE	Get to the 13 approach path via Airport Circular Road and pull into open space at the ILS poles. You can position yourself everywhere around this area easily.
WHAT	13 Arrivals only.
TIME	All day as you can easily move around with the sunlight.
MISC.	Nothing nearby. More popular amongst general public than planespotters with cameras. On a clear day, this is the best spot for silhouettes and creative photos.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-300mm depending on shot you want

We can’t provide pictures from this location. If you do so please don’t hesitate to contact us.