JNB-Spot1
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September 28, 2014
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October 5, 2014Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on June 24, 2026
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB/FAOR), is the busiest airport in South Africa and handled 18.3 million passengers in the year 2025, serving all continents except Antarctica. It serves as the primary airport for domestic and international travel to/from South Africa.
This is the most interesting airport if you want to see a large number of African Airlines. In fact it is probably one of the very few on the whole continent where spotting is known and tolerated. The fact that SAA ceased operations in 2020 and returned to start slowly in 2022/3, only a few SAA aircraft are active. The game players at OR Tambo are Flysafair (B737) and Airlink (ERJ135,170,190) the whole day.
Kenya Airways, Air Botswana, LAM Mozambique Airlines, RwandAir, Malawian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines , Fastjet Zimbabwe, TAAG Angola Airlines, Uganda Airlines, Zambia Airways . But also Lift, Air Austral, Air Mauritius, Eswatini and Air Seychelles are just some of the interesting airlines you will see during the day in JNB with changing equipment.
But do not let this list fool you, the vast majority of traffic is dominated by the local companies. Also lots of the carriers operate only very small fleets meaning that you will sometimes see the same aircraft over and over again during your stay.
Written by Julian Mittnacht. Last update: April 2026 – all spots checked
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 03L/21R | 4.418 m (12.495 ft) Concrete |
| 03R/21L | 3.400 m (11.155 ft) Concrete |
| Terminals | |
| International Terminal A | International flights only. Northern concourse and parts of the middle terminal part (triangles). |
| Central Terminal | Mixed international and domestic flights. |
| Domestic Terminal B | Domestic flights. Southern part of the terminals. |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not necessary |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is absolutely necessary, as there are large distances and also for safety reasons (see security Information below). |
| Drinks/Food | Nothing directly at the locations but there are plenty of supermarkets and restaurants around the airport, especially on the south and east side. |
| Hotels | We highly recommend the Birchwood Hotel (Spot 11) as you can spot from there parking lot and restaurants/supermarkets are just around the corner. Another option is the Protea Hotel OR Tambo right next to the terminal. From there you should be able to see runway 03L/21R. But there are also plenty of other hotels and small B&B’s around the airport. |
| Season | Johannesburg is one of the cities with the highest sunshine rate worldwide and always worth to visit! Best season in winter from end of May to August as there is less rainfall than in the summer. |
| Security | In general the neighborhood around the airport is pretty safe and you should not have any uncomfortable moments. Only at spots 4 and 5 you should be a bit more careful.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL DURING YOUR STAY IN SOUTH AFRICA. HERE ARE SOME GENERAL TIPS: |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | Most time of the year the wind blow from the north so expect 03 L/R as the active runways. During the winter months (June-August) there are more southern winds causing 21 L/R movements. |
| 03L/21R | Mainly in use for all departures, sometimes when the traffic is low on departures, especially in the morning or on weekends, it is also used for arrivals. Used in both directions. |
| 03R/21L | In use for arrivals only in both directions. |
Carp Rd - 21L arrivals morning
| WHERE | The location is along Carp Road in a suburb called Bonero Park, right next to a playground. Access is from the east via Atlas Rd/M43 and Bass Rd. Once there just park by the side of the road anywhere along Carp Road. There is a huge meadow and playground which offers an unlimited view of the approach. |
| WHAT | Excellent location for arrivals on RWY 21L. |
| TIME | From sunrise until early noon all year round. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. The neighborhood is very safe. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 95mm A346 / 170mm B738 / 210mm A319 / 380mm Learjet |
Bonaero Rd/Portela St - 21L arrivals afternoon
| WHERE | The location is at the junction of Bonaero Rd and Portela St, right next to the airport’s perimeter wall (Spot 2A). Access is once again via Atlas Rd/M43 and the previous location. Unfortunately the view is pretty limited here due to trees and rooftops and there is a very short time gap to take the photo. Another option is to stay in front of a meadow (Spot 2B) at Marco Polo Rd with an unobstructed view, but the angle is much worser. |
| WHAT | Arrivals RWY 21L. |
| TIME | From late noon until sunset all year round. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. The neighborhood is very safe. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 170mm B738 / 210mm ERJ135 |
Football Field - Taxiway and Storage/Maintenance
| WHERE | Turnsee a large football field. There is an entrance way where you can drive in and park your car in the parking area. The sports field is a safest place with some of the best views tho now the bushes and trees are getting in the way of aircraft using taxiway Hotel and decent photography is not as good as it used to be. |
| WHAT | This location can be used for shooting arrivals on the taxiway after landing on RWY 03R. Only a few portion of the arrivals (especially those for the international gates) will actually take this taxiway, most of the planes will take the earlier taxiway off the runway. Cargo arrivals will often pass this point. You can also see some of the aircraft who are stored or in maintenance but view is pretty interrupted by vegetation. |
| TIME | Shots on the taxiway are good all day (in winter). Though the spot is most interesting around noon when you don’t have sun for the approach shots. The stored aircraft can only be shot early in the morning. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. The place is not well kept, litter etc but shops are 4 minutes away. Gate is open from 06:00 to 18:00. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 95mm MD80 / 140mm DC-9 |
Highway access road - 21R arrivals morning
| WHERE | This is just a lay by at an access road for the R21. Access is only from the south via Atlas Rd! From the previous locations take the driveway to the R21 in direction of Pretoria. Once you are on the driveway be careful when slowing down and pull over onto the left shoulder as marked on the map. Park the car directly by the roadside and stay right next to the car. When leaving the location continue on the R21 direction Pretoria and use the next exit to make a u turn to continue back to the airport. |
| WHAT | Only 21R arrivals are possible. But not frequent in use. |
| TIME | From sunrise until early noon all year round. |
| MISC. | Not the best location but the only option. Be very careful there! The dirt road is a frequently used walkway for the rather poor people going to work. Be mindful of your surroundings and always stay close to the car. Be very aware, of any strangers or Police, stop briefly. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 120mm for an A346, 200mm for a B738. |
Gate area - Apron and runway
| WHERE | Inside the terminal, when you pass the security check, you have some restaurants. The last one on the left (northernmost) offers large windows and a great view into southern and estern direction – it’s thus a great place to take pictures. Also the international pier up north offers some nice window fronts at some gates (e.g. A15) from where you can nicely shoot onto the ramp around noon, when the sun passes around in the north – or even at night some pannings. |
| WHAT | Parking positions and apron parts infront as well as sometimes the runway. |
| TIME | From 12:00 until the end of the day. Some glasses also allow night shot attempts (full frame and some high iso recommended). |
| MISC. | There are a lot of restaurants and restrooms. This spot is located after security check thus a valid boarding pass is needed. There were some reports that passing/patrolling security may approach you and ask you to delete the pictures taken from inside the terminal here. So keep a low profile. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-100mm |
Domestic viewing deck - Apron, RWY03L, taxiway
| WHERE | On the third level in the Terminal B (landside), you have a large window where you can easily see on the apron and take pictures – this place is known as domestic viewing deck. To get there, just jump into one of the elevators at the big atrium hall and go to the top level. Be careful about the reflection and try to find a clean spot on the window. Sometimes there are no reflections on the bottom window row but on the second one. Have to figure it out by yourself. |
| WHAT | Taxiing aircraft, departures and arrivals on RWY 03L as well as apron infront. |
| TIME | From late noon until sunset all year round. Depends a bit on the angle. |
| MISC. | There are restaurants and restrooms in the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | On the RWY : 116mm 744 / 170mm 332 / 380mm AN26 – Taxing : close, less than 120mm |
Follow this sign to the deck on top level:
![](/images/JNB-Spot6--.jpg")
The deck itsself:
International viewing deck - Apron and runway
| WHERE | Walk towards international check in Terminal A and keep following the signs “viewing deck”. On the northernmost corner, next to a restaurant. the signs will lead you upstairs via an escalator and around several offices to a deck with an exhibition. Then take the window on the left hand side, which is the only untinted window at this deck. The deck is in front of of Gate A5.
Update June 2026: the escalator/stairs to the second floor are closed temporarily. But there is an elevator which will bring you to this floor. |
| WHAT | Parking positions and apron parts in front as well as sometimes the runway. Even when the gate is blocked you can photograph the runway and parts of the taxiway. |
| TIME | From late noon until sunset all year round. Depends a bit on the angle. |
| MISC. | There are a lot of restaurants and restrooms inside the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A343 infront = 40mm / B744 runway = 165mm / B737 runway = 320mm 18-300mm |
Crash Gate - 03R arrivals afternoon
| WHERE | The spot is right next to a crash gate opposite of a fire protection training facility. From the terminals just drive southwards on Jones Rd, pass a couple of industrial buildings and stop at the crash gate to the left. There is a small grass strip where you can park on without blocking the gate’s entrance. From the Birchwood Hotel its a short hump. Take Trichardt Rd to cross Highway 12 and then turn left into Yaldwyn Rd and the next right into Jones Rd. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 03R. Due to the vegetation, there is only a 2–3 second time window to take the photo. |
| TIME | From late noon until sunset all year round. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. Pretty remote area and might not be the safest place. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 65mm A346 / 240mm Jetstream 41 / 340mm Beechcraft |
Meadow - 03R arrivals morning
| WHERE | From the previous location continue on Yaldwyn Rd eastwards and take the next right into Leith Rd. Once there park by the roadside on the grass strip and spot from there. From the Birchwood Hotel its a short hump. Take Trichardt Rd to cross Highway 12 and then turn left into Leith Rd. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 03R. |
| TIME | From sunrise until early noon all year round. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. Pretty remote area and might not be the safest place. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 78mm 388 / 170mm B738 / 210mm ERJ135 |
Airport Park - 03R arrivals morning
| WHERE | This spot is located inside a public park, which can be reached easily from the Buffalo road, which leads thru a living area. This “park” is actually just a green area with a playground for kids in it. Entrance is just off Roman Rd, with a parking area. Once entered this park head to the highest point, which is unfortunately just a slide for kids with place for one person on top. But this is the only option to clear the fence. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 03R. |
| TIME | From sunrise until early noon all year round.. Heat haze can be a problem here on hot days as well as high grass or similar – spot not always useable. |
| MISC. | You are normally safe here, but nothing nearby like restrooms and restaurants! Keep a low profile and don’t attract the attention of the families living around here! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70 – 300mm |
Birchwood Hotel - 03R arrivals morning
| WHERE | Best and safest place at JNB for plane spotting. It’s on a parking lot inside the huge Birchwood Hotel complex. Access the hotel through the main entrance from View Point Rd and turn right immediatly to the lot. It’s located in front of the hotel’s “Champagne Bar” (former HiFlyerz bar). There is no need to be a hotel guest and the gate guards will let you in easily as the hotel is also a huge conference center. |
| WHAT | All Arrivals on runway 03R. The view is almost unobstructed, expect one tree but only a short time window to take the photos. |
| TIME | From sunrise until 10:00/10:30. |
| MISC. | Wonderful and safe place and we can really recommend the hotel to stay at. Prices on the offical website are usually better than via third party booking platforms. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 – 400mm |
Hi all, hoping to visit JNB in March to spot at location 11 with my girlfriend (South African citizen). As we will have a car, where do you recommend to park as there appears to be little to no on street parking nearby? Any replies would be greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Brandon
Hi Brandon, there is a 2nd entrance to the park at Location 11, just off Roman Rd, with a parking area where the “Horningcraft Hooters Trail” pin is on the map above.
Hi guys, I live in centurion and want to do some plane spotting, is there a whatsapp group that I can join for some plane spotting?
Hi Carl,
none that we are aware of sorry.
Best Regards,
Patrick
Hi there,
short update from JNB: Approach shots from Birchwood Hotel are still possible. Maybe there were more options in earlier years, but there’s still an option for the next few years.
I might send a full update later.
Cheers
Marcel
Good news, you can send us updates and photos via our email support@spotterguide.net
-Julian
Any update on the current situation of the Birchwood Hotel spot 10? Any estimate or current info if the tree-height still allows photography of landings to 03R this coming (European) winter if U r resident of the hotel?
Update Spot #10 Birchwood Hotel
Hi, I´ve been to Johannesburg this week (March 2024, 03-06) and stood at Birchwood Hotel for 2 nights.
Spot 10 is not really current. There are still some good spots to take pictures from landing aircraft on the car park area, BUT all trees were growing and getting bigger in the last years, so it may be difficult for good photos and eventually impossible in the future!
Find your special spot in the corner close to “La Grande/Hotspot Bar” between the building and the trees or directly at the main entrance door close to the Shuttle Bus parking or in front of “The BC Cafe”. From this spots it is possible to take pictures but you have to be quick because the aircraft disappear constantly behind trees.
So, if you stay in the Hotel it’s okay to get some planes between breakfast and leaving, but if you are not a resident, drive to spot #4.
Hi All, I might be on a day time connection in June, arriving from London and getting the last flight to Windhoek. Am I better staying airside to spot, or heading land side to the viewing deck. I won’t be leaving the airport.
You also state tines as from midday, but are these areas open earlier?
In ragards to airport hotels, Doesxsnyone know if the intercontinental or Marriott/Protea have runway view rooms?
Thanks.
Hi, if you have the possibility to stay in the transit area/airside for your connection, stay there! The A-Pier is excellent for pictures. If a gate is blocked then take another window for shots. At the end of this pier you have a great view to the taxiway and RWY03L/21R.
Even in the triangle shaped areas you might get a chance for pictures but these are restaurants and a quick look for photos is not very welcomed, so take a seat at the windows for a drink.
If you have to leave the airside area, go to the landslide viewing decks (2). One is left above the A-Check-In for International Flights. Follow the sign upwards. This viewing deck ist smaller than the second one which is above the arrival area. Also signed and easy to find. Open 24/7 and free of charge.
ALL spots in the airport are good for pictures in the afternoon (12:00 till sunset). In the morning till noon you have backlight on all places.
The view from the Inter Conti Hotel might be blocked by the terminal building and/or light poles and it’s too far away from the apron and runway for photos.
The Marriot/Protea is mentioned in the PlaneSpotting Hotel guide and has limited rooms with limited views to the airport. In my opinion not the best option.
Hey guys just a quick update spot #8 it’s permanently closed
Hi, I saw all these a340s parked near 03L end aprons are there any spot that can see these 340s?
Hi all, just saw this spotters guide this afternoon, I live about 6 minutes away from ORT Airport and visit a few of the spotting areas frequently. The map with locations is pretty accurate, and as stated in SA you must be really aware of your surroundings, theft etc. No’s 4,5,8 and 10 are pretty much exposed, but are popular with camera jockeys for approach shots, but no views of the airport. No 9 is an on ramp to the Pretoria highway, one direction only, again be very aware, of any strangers or Police, stop briefly, the views of 03L/21R and Delta/golf ramp is very good, except for heat haze. No 3, the sports field is the safest place with some of the best views tho now the bushes and trees are getting in the way of aircraft using taxiway Hotel and decent photography is not as good as it used to be, the place is not well kept, litter etc but shops are 4 minutes away.
Hi Steve, thanks for comment. Always good to get a feedback from a local spotter who know the surroundings best. If you can provide some new photos as well, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email to support@spotterguide.net
Thanks
Julian
I was at spot 10 on Feb, 1, 2022, we were allowed to enter the hotel parking but the trees are to high now. So I went to spot 4, which also changed but is still good.
only you miss many planes since the use both runways for landing.