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- last modified on December 29, 2020
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) and Jonathan Beaumont (spot6). Last Update December 2020
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 11/29 | 3.410m (11,188ft) |
| Terminals | There is just one terminal which is used for all flights. |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | There is no need for it. |
| Car/Public Transport | 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. |
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Spot #1 – Franklin D. Rooseveltweg |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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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Spot #6 – Observation Deck |
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| WHERE | In 2019, the airport opened a brand new observation deck at the top of the terminal. It’s between the arrival and departure hall and is accessible by elevator or stairs. It’s open from early morning to late night. It’s surrounded by glass so it’s not super camera friendly because of smudges and reflections but still a nice spot, especially during noon. |
| WHAT | You can see all the movements on the apron, taxiway and runway. Aircraft parked at gates 6, 5 and 4 are directly infront of you. |
| TIME | From sunrise until late afternoon during the summer season. During winter the whole day. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is in the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Airbus A320 on taxiway = 40mm |
Picture of the location
10 Comments
I’m back again, last year the airport opened a brand new observation deck at the top of the terminal where you can see all the movements on the apron, taxiway and runway. Aircraft parked at gates 6, 5 and 4 are directly infront of you. It’s between the arrival and departure hall and is accessible by elevator or stairs. It’s open from early morning to late night. It’s surrounded by glass so it’s not super camera friendly because of smudges and reflections but still a nice spot, especially during noon.
https://ogfw4ihh7bwuhmxrwzmsitlqam-adwhj77lcyoafdy-curacao-nu.translate.goog/nieuwe-mirador-op-dak-hato/
Hi, thats pretty cool. Do you have some pictures from there for us?
-Julian
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmTf2cFo
Thanks Jonathan! Postion has been added
There are more spots further west, near the USAF’s Forward operating location (FOL). Take the dirt road that starts near the entrance to the FOL and follow it al around the FOL apron. This his provides views on the military aircraft that are parked there, like KC135 tankers and E3 AWACS, as well as landing shots on the runway.
Hey Paul, can you send us the GPS and some pictures via this blank please:
https://www.spotterguide.net/missing-photos-location/
Thanks, Julian
They have completely upgraded the mirador, they added seats, a roof, an elevated balcony, and added stairs to the airport
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6B8OCJGL2w
Thank for the infos Jonathan
Does anyone have a clue if you can reach the road just west of the airport? You can see the road on google maps satellite view.
I would like to take some photos from there.
You will have to pass the near airport’s free zone.