Clear, blue water, sunshine, and the typical Caribbean flair – Welcome to Curaçao! It is the largest of the three ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) and it also offers the largest airport in the region, by the way also the longest runway in the entire Leeward and Windward Islands being closely followed by Aruba and Saint Maarten.

This long runway enables the airport to handle widebody jets which arrive daily from Amsterdam! KLM regularly pays a visit. Also TUI jets bringing passengers from Brussels and Amsterdam!

But not only the Dutchman beat a path to the island, there are also many vacationers from the US and Canada coming along also very frequently! American Airlines, WestJet (summer only), Air Canada, Rouge, JetBlue, and Sunwing (summer only) have been serving the island since decades now (except the new Canadian start-up Rouge).

Thanks to the large amount of destinations, Curaçao is perfectly linked with its neighbouring states and cities.

Now fasten your seatbelt, and enjoy a piece of Caribbean flair!

Written by Marlin & Jonas Lehmann, Paul Engelbert (spot5). Last Update April 2019

Rating	Movements		Visitor Rating How was your spotting trip? Rate this airport now. (2 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5) Loading...
	Airline Variety
	Photo Locations
	Weather
Airport Information	Runways	11/29
		3.410m (11,188ft)
Spotting Information	Ladder	There is no need for it
	Car	Most spots are within walking distance from the terminal except #5.
	Restrooms	Inside the terminal building or in Hato.
	Drinks/Food	Food is available inside the terminal buildings.
	Hotels	There are no hotels nearby the airport, you can find hotels offering European standard either in Willemstad, Sint Michiel or in the north of the island.
	Season	Curacao is best to be visited during the winter month, as the light is shining more comfortable on the aircraft’s body, moreover it’s time of flowering during the springtime. The temparature is constantly the same throughout the year.
Runway Usage	11/29	Depends on the wind direction. Winds usually blow from the east so that runway 11 is in use at the most.

	Spot #1 – Franklin D. Rooseveltweg
WHERE	This spot is located near runway 29’s threshold which offers a kinda nice view on runway 11 vacatings or heavy departures. When coming from The Mirador simply travel the Franklin D. Rooseveltweg eastwards for a few 900m until the lay-by is visible on the left hand side of the street. Turn left and stop directly on this unused lay-by. You can also park your vehicle here.
WHAT	All arrivals into runway 11, vacating on taxiway ‘Alpha’ or heavy departures from runway 11. Please note that only a few airplanes taxi this way, not all airplanes which are landing on 11 vacate via Alpha, but heavy aircraft will surely do.
TIME	From sunrise until late afternoon during the summer season. During winter the whole day.
MISC.	There is nothing special to mention about this spot, please bring everything you need by yourself as there are no institutions nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

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	Spot #2 – The Mirador
WHERE	There is a new constructed and roofed platform with a nice overlook of the airport. Located just across the terminal. From there is a path leading up to the platform. This spot is to be recommended for a very comfortable Curacao Spotting, as restaurants are in easy walking distance as well as restrooms and a flight arrival timetable.
WHAT	All flight movements, happening at the airport, Apron movements are only to be spotted limitedly.
TIME	From sunrise until late afternoon during the summer season. During winter the whole day.
MISC.	You can park your car immediately at the spotting location.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

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	Spot #3 – Car hire parking
WHERE	This is also situated very close to the terminal buildings. When coming from the airport terminal, leave the arrival hall and turn right. A large building (marked in the map above) will immediately strike your eye when having walking for already a few yards where airlines (United, Tiara Air, Aserca Airlines…) and car hires are located with their offices and counters. After you’ve went through the building or around it you are already on the car rental’s car park. Go to the fence and choose a suitable place. Route is marked in red in the map above.
WHAT	Taxiings to runway 11 as well as departures and arrivals on the same runway.
TIME	From mid-day until sunset, the summer season. During winter the whole day.
MISC.	Photographs have to be made through the fence. Holes are large enough for proper photographs. Moreover, freight container will sometimes be placed right in front of the fence, blocking some angles. But you can luckily avoid some of them by walking along the perimeter fence.
FOCAL LENGTH	25-300mm

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	Spot #4 – Under the gate
WHERE	This is next to the terminal halls right under the international gate. When you leave the arrival hall, turn left to the Check-in counters and immediately behind these counters you will already see the airport fence. Route is marked in blue in the map above as it is difficult of explanation.
WHAT	Parking aircraft and departing planes
TIME	From sunrise until mid-afternoon, the summer season. During winter the whole day.
MISC.	Photographs have to be made through the fence. Holes are large enough for proper photographs.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-300mm

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	Spot #5 – Under the gate
WHERE	From the airport drive or walk west towards the USAF’s Forward Operating Location and before the entrance turn left into a dirt road leading around this off limits part of the airport. Take the next right until the final postion.
WHAT	From there you have a nice view from the hill down on the military apron as well as on all runway 11 landings and taxiing aircraft.
TIME	Whole day for landing and departing aircraft. From noon till sunset ideal for tankers and AWACS on the FOL apron. Be aware of heat haze for the apron.
MISC.	No disturbing fence as you are on a higher level than the runway. Only surveillance camera’s. If you’re spotted by the American military police they ask you to leave. But I don’t think they may force you, because Curacao isn’t the USA. Nevertheless try to keep a low profile and do not stand on top of the cliff above the FOL for to long. No seats, no food and drinks, no shade.
FOCAL LENGTH	200-400mm

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