Düsseldorf Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Germany with 25 Mio. passengers in 2019. Due to Covid 19, DUS lost nearly all of the first class long-haul routes, but is slowly recovering. If you are looking for variety of airlines Düsseldorf is a nice place to be as there are many national and international carriers again connecting DUS to the biggest metropols of Europe, North America and Arabia. Not only the excellent spotting locations are worth to be vsitied, a trip to this city is nice as well. With many connections to the inner and outer districts of the city you can easily discover all the facet of the beautiful city next to the river rhine.

Eurowings has a big hub Düsseldorf. TUIfly, SunExpress, Corendon and Condor offer a high amount of touristic destinations. Emirates, Qatar and Condor (Winter) offer long-haul flights on regular basis. The airport is restricted in its operations from 06:00AM to 23:00PM.

Düsseldorf was used to be one of the spotter friendliest airports in Germany, but unluckily this changed during the last years: no regularly opened terrace, no phototours and no super easy spotting along the fence anymore as some spotters misbehaved and since then security and co are not as tolerant with us as some years back.

Written by Daniel Kramm, Severin Hackenberger and Marcus (some pictures provided).  Last change: September 2024 – Spot 3 updated

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
05R/23L	3.000m (9.842ft) asphalt
05L/23R	2.800m (9.240ft) asphalt
Terminals
Terminal A	Star Alliance, Asian-Carriers, Eurowings
Terminal B	Schengen
Terminal C	Non-Schengen
Spotting Information
Ladder	Needed especially at the summer evening spots. See descriptions below. Ladders are tolerated by the airport authority but don’t put it too close to the fence and don’t touch the fence. Detectors are installed and otherwise security will join you…
Car/Public Transport	Car is needed to get to the summer afternoon positions but almost all positions are within walking distance from the terminal or train station.
Restrooms	Only inside the terminal and train station
Drinks/Food	McDonald’s, several restaurants and REWE supermarket are located inside the terminal. Around the airport there are some supermarkets, gas stations and another McDonald’s. Only reachable by car.
Hotels	Maritim Hotel and a Sheraton are directly at the airport terminal. But there are dozens of other hotels around the airports boundaries.
Season	March to October suggested. In winter all nothern positions will be unusable because of backlit
Runway Usage
General Info	Since the COVID pandemic, runway operations changed majorly. These days, DUS operations are only handled on the southern runway, the northern one is closed for now. From SFP 24 on, the airport will decide monthly again and may open the northern runway again. The “Airport CDM” App for Google and Apple provides the exact departure runway in advance for each flight.
05R/23L	Arrivals and departures.
05L/23R	Arrivals only – closed since the COVID pandemic.

Observation Deck Terminal B - All runway moments, taxiway, ramp

WHERE	The observation deck on terminal B is the one and only visitor platform since the closure of the second one at the railway station. Once you are inside the departures hall terminal B follow the stairs up to starbucks next to the piano and cafè. Follow the signs and you will find the entrance at the very end. +++ As of September 2023, the terrace at Düsseldorf Airport remains closed until further notice. As per airport company, it needs new installations such as glass or similar to meet the latest safety regulations. However, there is severe cost involved and hence nothing happens at the moment. Please check the official website. +++
WHAT	It’s a great place for spotters and families as you have a great roundview of the apron and you won´t miss a single movement. Every gate on this terminal is viewable and also a few stands on terminal A and C. Best if runways 05 are active for arrivals and departures. 23 arrivals will exit infront of you and most departures on 23L are okay, except the light ones.
TIME	You can start shooting the runway from sunrise, but turns backlit from afternoon on. Ramp depends on the angle.
MISC.	Access to the platform every day of the week from 09:00 to 20:00 (April to October) and from 10:00 – 19:00 (November to March). There are security checks which can lead to longer queues. Food and water bottles are still allowed. The fee is 2,20€ for adults. Restrooms and a small snack bar (opens only in the summer) is behind the security on the terrace so you don´t have to leave it. An issue are the APUs and engine exhausts wich can lead to a massive heat distortion on your photos, especially on the runway and even on the nearby taxiway.
FOCAL LENGTH	Depends on the angle but from 20-300 you should be fine

Carpark P7 - 05R/23L all movements

WHERE	When you are coming from inside the terminal proceed to the very end of terminal A and follow the signs to carpark P7. Take the elevator to the upper deck, level 8, and walk to the other end of the garage. The barrier is lowered from some point and no ladder is needed. You can also enter the carpark with your car but you have to pay around 25 Euros a day. Please stick to the closure and don’t leave waste since its a rising problem at every position.
WHAT	The spot is best for all runway movements on 05R/23L as you are almost in the middle of the runway. Also taxiway photos to and from 23L are possible. Runway 05L/23R is in sight but very far. Furthermore you can photograph the apron where most Eurowings planes are parked.
TIME	You can start shooting here from sunrise, but turns backlit from afternoon on. Due to the distance, heat is a serious problem here and we recommend this spot only in the morning hours. During hot and calm summer days its almost impossible to photograph from here without distortion. But in winter you will have less problems.
MISC.	Facilities available inside the terminal. The garage is run by APCOA and it is private property. Behave properly and don’t left any rubbish there or destroy anything. Otherwise this location will be a no go area in the future!
FOCAL LENGTH	100 – 400 mm

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Skytrain Stairs / Police Hangar - taxiway for departures 23L

WHERE	Follow the Frachtstraße to the very end. You will find a stair next to the skytrain station. You can park your car here if you are only staying for a short time. For longer visits please us the official train station parking lot. If you are arriving with the skytrain from the terminal take the elevator to the lowest floor. Leave the building until you reach the mentioned stairs Spot 3A. DON’T ENTER THE STAIRS THROUGH THE EMERGENCY DOOR AT THE END OF THE SKYTRAIN PLATFORM!!! You can also spot from the fence Spot 3B. From the stairs go ~200 meters on the Frachtstraße until you see the building of the police helicopters, where you have to go right between the bushes to the fence. To spot over the fence a little 2 step ladder is needed, without a ladder, you can climb up a tree next to the fence.
WHAT	Spot 3A: it is a great spot in the morning for planes taxiing to runway 23L. Apart from this some aircraft departing runway 05R lowly can be spotted as well. Sometimes you might also be lucky, so you can spot late vacators of runway 05R. Be prepared, that you can’t see any approaching airplanes till touchdown on 23L. This spot is also very attractive for nightshots. Special visitors will be parked just in front of the spot. Spot 3B: this one is better than spot 3A to photograph the 23L arrivals. It’s a nice spot for late vacators of Runway 05L and 05R, for Arrivals and Departures on Runway 23L and for Aircrafts taxiing to Runway 23L and 23R.
TIME	Depends on what you photograph but you can start shooting here from sunrise, but turns backlit from afternoon on. In winter its fine all day long.
MISC.	Restrooms are avaliable in the train station on the mezzanine floor, which is acessable by the same elevator or staircase, where you came from. Food and drinks are avaliable in the Terminal, where you can get by the SkyTrain from the train station. Like everywhere, do not touch the fence, otherwise the airport security may join you because of detectors attached to the fence.
FOCAL LENGTH	777 (Landing 23L)~160mm 737 (Taxiing 23L)~190mm A340 (Late vacation 05R)~120mm

Spot 3A “Staircase”

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Spot 3B “Police Hangar”

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Tiefenbroicher Weg - 23L arrivals

WHERE	Park your car as marked on the map on the left at the “Lichtenbroicher Baggersee” directly after the tunnel of the autobahn or enter the footpath from the railway station. Follow the path Tiefenbroicher Weg until you reach t-corner at the perimeter fence. Due to ongoing constructions in this area, parking is limited but still possible. You can either use the offical parking lot at the railway station for a fee. Otherwise there is free parking for 24h available along the Tiefenbroicher Weg, next to the office buildings. Just look for the parking signs. During weekdays difficult to find an empty lot.
WHAT	Landings on runway 23L only. There are gaps between the trees where you can take the photo, but you will have just 1-2 seconds.
TIME	You can start shooting here from sunrise, but turns backlit from afternoon on.
MISC.	A 2 step ladder is recommend (especially for heavies) to avoid the fence in your photos but put it on the path and not on the fence, otherwise you will get the airport securities attention. The nearest facilities are inside the railway station. There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	125 mm for A320, 70 mm for B747

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Tiefenbroicher Weg - 23L arrivals

WHERE	Same as Spot 4, just follow the perimeter fence until you reach your favorable position on the opposite site. Shortest way with car is from parkspot at the “Kalkumer Schloßallee”.
WHAT	Landings on runway 23L only.
TIME	In the summer only from afternoon to sunset
MISC.	You need a ladder but don’t put it right next to the perimeterfence, otherwise you will get the airport securities attention. Here is absolutely nothing so bring what you need and take it also back with you.
FOCAL LENGTH	125 mm for an A320, 70 mm for a 747

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Forrest - 23R arrivals, 05L departures

WHERE	Park your car at a entrance to the forrest next to the “Kalkumer Schloßallee” Follow the path trough it until you reach the crashgate. Head left to get behind runway 23R. You can place your ladder anywhere along the path.
WHAT	You can get head up shots for all 23R arrivals or 05L departures from here. 23L arrivals are also possible with longer focal length (Samples are from 23L!).
TIME	In the summer only from afternoon to sunset
MISC.	You need a ladder but don’t put it right next to the perimeterfence, otherwise you will get the airport securities attention. Here is absolutely nothing so bring what you need and take it also back with you.
FOCAL LENGTH	50 – 200 mm (samples show 23L arrivals!)

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Forrest - 23R arrivals

WHERE	Same as Spot #6 but turn right at the crash gate.
WHAT	Planes on short final for 23R or during landing can be seen here. 05R/23L arrivals departures can also be seen with longer focal length (see (WOW A321, OS A320 and IA 738).
TIME	In the summer only from afternoon to sunset
MISC.	You need a ladder but don’t put it right next to the perimeterfence, otherwise you will get the airport securities attention. Here is absolutely nothing so bring what you need and take it also back with you.
FOCAL LENGTH	70 – 500 mm

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Perimeter Fence - 05L/23R arrivals

WHERE	Follow the path from parking next to a barnyard and cross the bridge until you reach the perimeter fence. The path continues along the whole runway, so make you choice for the best position. You can even walk from spot 6/7 to this position.
WHAT	Planes on runway 23R / 05L can be seen here. Departures on the southern runway only with more focal length, too (see TK 330, EW 320 below).
TIME	In the summer only from afternoon to sunset
MISC.	You need a ladder but don’t put it right next to the perimeterfence, otherwise you will get the airport securities attention. Here is absolutely nothing so bring what you need and take it also back with you.
FOCAL LENGTH	70 – 500 mm

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Perimeter Fence - 05L arrivals

WHERE	Same as spot #8. But turn right at the crash gate and follow the path until you reach the threshold of runway 05L.
WHAT	Planes on short final or during landing for 05L can be seen here. 05R arrivals and line-ups departures can also be seen with longer focal length (see EK 380, LH 320, NH 788).
TIME	In the summer only from afternoon to sunset
MISC.	You need a ladder but don’t put it right next to the perimeterfence, otherwise you will get the airport securities attention. Here is absolutely nothing so bring what you need and take it also back with you.
FOCAL LENGTH	200 – 500 mm

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Sunnys Corner - 05L arrivals

WHERE	Coming from Highway B8 and Autobahn A44, exit at Düsseldorf Stockum and follow Niederrheinstraße to Lörick. After you turned onto Niederrheinstraße, follow the street for about 1,5km. Then you should see a Jaguar car dealer on your right. Park your car nearby and choose your favourite position, this depends on the angle you like the most!
WHAT	Arrivals on runway 05L only.
TIME	In the summer only from afternoon to sunset.
MISC.	There is a pizza shop nearby (Sunnys-Corner), where you can find something to eat (toilets of corse, too).
FOCAL LENGTH	70 – 200mm A319 = 165mm / B737 = 115mm / B767 = 90mm

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Mound/Dike - 05R lineup and arrivals

WHERE	As of 2021, it is more difficult to reach this location as a long walk is necessary. There is no parking space available nearby and you cannot access it from the south side anymore due to constructions. We recommend to park in the north at “Kittelbacher Straße” and then walk all the way down until the fence. From there follow it southwards until the mentioned position below the approach path of 05L.
WHAT	Arrivals and Line-Ups on runway 05R and head to head landings on runway 23R. You won’t need a ledder here, as a small mound offers enough height to watch over the fence.
TIME	Afternoon to sunset (summer), noon to sunset (winter). Heat haze can be an issue if there is less wind.
MISC.	If you use a ladder don`t put it right next to the perimeter fence, otherwise you will get the airport securities attention. Here is absolutely nothing so bring what you need and take it also back with you.
FOCAL LENGTH	100 – 300 mm

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Spielberger Weg - 05L arrivals

WHERE	This spot is at the end of “Spielberger Weg” and can be reached easily from “Niederrheinstrasse”. Just follow the street till its end, where you’ll see some parking possibilities on your right. Then choose your favourite position, because this spot is no exact position, rather the area round here. Germania A321 was taken from the road end, which can be seen on the overview shot. For the SIA A350 we walked down the path a bit onto the field to get a bit more under the arrivalpath (marked on the map and can be seen at the right side of the overview shot). You might also take pictures from the Audi and VW Car dealer “Moll Gruppe”, where distnace is a bit higher, but the angler and window to shoot are better. We didn’t expirienced this area for spotting yet, but if you did so, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
WHAT	Only arrivals on runway 05L.
TIME	You can start shooting here from sunrise, but turns backlit from afternoon on.
MISC.	No ladder needed. You can find some supermarkets at this area and a small restaurant as well (Zur alten Töpferei).
FOCAL LENGTH	50 – 250 mm

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Ikarusstrasse - 05R arrivals

WHERE	Coming from Highway B8 and Autobahn A44, exit at Düsseldorf Stockum and follow Niederrheinstraße to Lörick. Turn right into Ikarusstraße. There are a few parkstands here. However, it’s recommended to stay close to your car as they might belong to a local company. We stood next to a drink storage (or similar) to have a better angle. Exact position marked on map and can be seen on overview shot.
WHAT	Only arrivals on runway 05R.
TIME	In the summer only and then from late afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	No ladder needed. There are no known facilities in the near. You can find some supermarkets at this area and a small restaurant as well (Zur alten Töpferei).
FOCAL LENGTH	70 – 250 mm

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Bridge - 05L/R arrivals, 23L departures

WHERE	Same direction as for spot “05L Mound” but just stay on the bridge over the railroads and the highway.
WHAT	All arrivals on runway 05L/R and departures from 23L.
TIME	You can start shooting here from sunrise, but turns backlit from afternoon on.
MISC.	No ladder needed. There are no known facilities in the near. You can find some supermarkets at this area and restaurants.
FOCAL LENGTH	70 – 300 mm Eurowings A343 = 130mm / flyEgypt B738 = 185mm

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GA Terminal - ramp

WHERE	Same way like described for the spots before, but this time continue straight ahead after you passed the bridge until you reach the GAT Terminal on your left.
WHAT	You can take pictures trough the mesh of planes parking on the General Aviation apron or walk up the stairs as marked below. Nightshots are also possible.
TIME	In the summer only from afternoon to sunset
MISC.	No ladder needed, but might be useful, if stairs aren’t useable. There are no known facilities nearby – the closest are inside the terminal or over the bridge.
FOCAL LENGTH	50 – 300 mm

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Angerbach - 23L arrivals

WHERE	Besides Spot #4, where the sight is limited, this is a another option to take photos of the 23L approach. To get there by car exit the A52 at “Dreieck Düsseldorf-Nord” and follow the signs to Ratingen. Once inside the city, take the third left into “Im Rott” an drive till the road turns left. Park there on the side and cross the Angerbach (creek) and postion yourself along the farm road infront of the field (Spot 16A). The advantage of this spot is the free sight of the aproach and the better parking options. The worse angle and higher distance are the disadvantages. Because of latter, heat haze is a serious problem! If this is the case you can go closer to the approach, for example on the footbridge over the Autobahn. (Spot 16B)
WHAT	Arrivals on 23L only.
TIME	You can start shooting here from sunrise, but turns backlit from afternoon on.
MISC.	Nothing except some trees spending shadow. There are some Fast Food chains if you continue on the main road.
FOCAL LENGTH	From 16A: A310 = 300mm

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