Düsseldorf Airport is the third busiest airport in Germany. With 24,6 Mio. passengers in 2017, the airport topped their highest amount of PAX from the last year. Also they added various first class carriers during the past years which offer many national and international routes to the biggest metropols of Europe, North America and Asia. If you are looking for variety of airlines and airplanes Düsseldorf is the right place to be. Not only the excellent spotting locations make your trip to this city worth it, but also the city itself. With many connections to the inner and outer districts of the city you can easily discover all the facet of the most beautiful city next to the river rhine.
Eurowings have their biggest hubs for long haul operations in Düsseldorf. Germania, TUIfly and Condor offer a high amount of touristic destinations. Most of the intercontinental services from Asia and America are the very first flights to arrive when operations starts again at the airport (Singapore Airlines, Etihad, Air China, Delta Air Lines). The airport is restricted in its operations from 06:00AM to 23:00PM. Since the 5th of June 2016 Emirates serves their Dubai rotations with A380 twice a day. Singapore Airlines is bringing their brand new flagships of modern airliners to Düsseldorf (A350). ANA is also operating its Boeing 787 Dreamliner into Düsseldorf.

Düsseldorf is one of the spotter friendliest airports in Germany. With many apron tours being offered and a large visitorplatform you will find many chances to get close to action here. Also the spottingpoints around the airport offer clear shots on the airplanes.
Airport authorities are also aware of our hobby, so ladders are not restricted at the periemter fence.

Written by Daniel Kramm (local spotter), Severin Hackenberger (regular visitor) and Marcus (some pictures provided).

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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.
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	Düsseldorf is restricted in its operations of both runways. Exact times of operations can not be named. On working days usually both runways are active from early morning to late morning (06:00AM to 12:00AM). Take offs will be on runway 05R/23L and landings on 05L/23R. Runway usage is also similar in the afternoons. Usually between 16:00PM and 18:00PM both runways will be active again. Exceptions confirm the rule, so it’s also possible that only runway 05R/23L will be used on one day. EKs A380 only lands on runway 23L/05R.
05R/23L	arrivals and departures in both directions.
05L/23R	arrivals only from both directions.

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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. +++ CLOSED FROM MARCH 9TH 2020 FOR 12 WEEKS DUE TO MAINTENANCE +++
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 have 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). You will have backlit from afternoon on (summer).
MISC.	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. Please check the official website for exact opening times and additional infos.
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 will have backlit from here from afternoon on (summer). 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.
FOCAL LENGTH	100 – 400 mm

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Skytrain Stairs - 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 the marked parkspots are recommended. If you are arriving with the skytrain from the terminal take the elevator to the lowest floor. Leave the buildung until you reach the mentioned stairs. With a ladder you can go the perimeter fence aswell. It offers a better view on the runway. DON’T ENTER THE SPOT THROUGH THE EMERGENCY DOOR AT THE END OF THE SKYTRAIN PLATFORM!
WHAT	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.
TIME	You will have backlit from here from afternoon on (summer).
MISC.	Facilities are available inside the building.
FOCAL LENGTH	70 – 400 mm

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Pictures are taken from the staircase here:

Tiefenbroicher Weg - 23L arrivals

WHERE	Park your car as marked on the map at the “Lichtenbroicher Baggersee” or enter the footpath from the railway station. Follow the path Tiefenbroicher Weg until you reach t-corner at the perimeter fence.
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 will have backlit from here from afternoon on (summer).
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	By foot, start at the terminal and follow the signs to the GAT and P13. There is a footpath and after 15-20 minutes you are coming to the footbridge (spot 15). Turn right here into a small path along the perimeter fence and follow it until you are under runway 05L. Coming from Highway B8 and Autobahn A44, exit at Düsseldorf Stockum and follow Niederrheinstraße to Lörick. Exit the roundabout at the first chance. You will find the parkspot at the end of the road. Cross the bridge and find the small path at the end.
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 will have backlit here from ~3pm in the summer.
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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Mound/Dike - 05R line-ups, 23L head of take offs

WHERE	Same direction as for spot 11 “05L Mound”, but this time climb the first mound under 05R path and not the second one under 05L path.
WHAT	Line-Ups on runway 05R and head to head take offs on runway 23L. You won’t need a ledder here, as a small mound offers enough height to watch over the fence  but easier with 1-2 steps. High grass and some signs and poles along the taxiway may disturb a perfect photo.
TIME	In the summer only from afternoon to sunset.
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	A320 = 350mm; A332 = 220mm

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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 will have backlit here from ~3pm (summer), in winter never.
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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