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January 1, 2018
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March 11, 2018Gran Canaria, Las Palmas Airport Spotting
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- last modified on February 7, 2022
The airport of the island of Gran Canaria (IATA: LPA; ICAO GCLP), is the most busiest airport of the Canary Islands and handled around 13 million passengers in 2019. It is also called Las Palmas, the capitol city of the island. Many different airlines, especially charter carriers, fly to Gran Canaria from all over Europe, including some interesting airlines which you won’t see anywhere else in Europe, like Mauritania airlines and Binter.
Air Europa, Vueling and Ibera connecting LPA to all major cities on the mainland of spain. Charter airlines serving Gran Canaria are mainly from Scandinavia, Germany and United Kingdom. But there are much much more connecting LPA with the rest of Europe! Beside that, there’s quite a lot of military traffic from the Spanish Air Force aswell!
There is a stored DC7 in Binter Canarias colors at the entrance of the Aeroclub of Gran Canaria, the islands second airport.
As there my be some problems while getting here, THIS site might help you to solve the name struggles.
Written by Mylos Besseling, Jan Seba and Antonio Rodriquez (providing photos), last visit was in December 2020.
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 03L/21R | 3.100m (10.171ft) |
| 03R/21L | 3.100m (10.171ft) |
| Terminals | One for all operations |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not needed. At most spotting points you can insert your lens through the fence, at some places there isn’t even a fence. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is not really needed, since all spotting places can be reached by public transport. However, reaching a location by car is much more faster and a car might offer you shadow which is nice in the hot weather conditions. |
| Restrooms | At spots #3 and #5, there are restrooms available. |
| Drinks/Food | There is a supermarket called ‘Spar’ nearby spot #3, where you can buy snacks/drinks. |
| Hotels | There are not that much hotels next to the airport. Most nearest hotels are around 5-10 km away from the airport. You can rent apartments close to Spot #1 at http://www.burreroseasight.webnode.es/ |
| Season | Not really a particular season as weather is pretty steady on the canary islands. There are a bit more charter flights during the summer holiday season in Europe. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 03L/21R | Mainly used for landings |
| 03R/21L | Mainly used for departures, prefered RWY for military |
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Spot #1 – Hill – Arrivals and Line-Up 03L/R |
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| WHERE | This spotting point is located at the end of the road called ‘Calle Fariones’ s at the village of El Burrero, south of the airport. From #3 just continue southwards and follow the signs to (Playa) El Burrero. Pass the Motorway, drive through the village to the beach and from there continue the road up the hill where you can see some lonely houese. There is huge flat area next to some houses with plenty of space. You can park your car right at the street or even drive to the fence. But be aware of disastrous road conditions. If you are using public transport, you have to take bus 85, and go out at ‘Playa Del Burrero’. Then walk the route as shown on the map. If you walk a few meters to the north there is a pedestrian bridge where you can walk up and shot from there too. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 03L and 03R and line-up for departures. |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon during the whole year. In the morning hours there shouldn’t be a problem with the heat for the line-up. |
| MISC. | There’s nothing nearby so bring what you need. Also no shadow at this place. You need to put your camera through the fence but the bars are wide enough as you can see below. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Landings 03L: 767 = 120mm, 737 = 190mm |
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Spot #2 – Approach Path – LineUp 03 and Overhead landings |
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| WHERE | This location is close to spot #1. It’s located close to the road ‘Calle Proa’ and you need to drive straight ahead instead of turning right to #1 and the houses. Its a dirt road and once passed the approach path just park somehwere on the side of the road and walk a few meters to the perimeter fence. You are on an elevated level as the taxiway and so shooting over the fence is possible. If you are using public transport, take bus 85 and go out at ‘Playa del Burrero’. Then walk the red line as shown on the map. |
| WHAT | Perfect for line-up for RWY 03L/R during midday. Overhead landings on runway 03L where you parked your car. You will have a good view on the runway if you want to get centerline shots. |
| TIME | Line-up is from noon when the sun is over the runway until evening. But be aware of heat distortion! Overhead photos especially good during sunrise and sunset. |
| MISC. | There’s nothing nearby so bring with you what you need. Also no shadow available. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320/B38M = 220mm; A321 = 200mm; A333 = 70mm |
The overhead shots taken where the parking is:
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Spot #3 – Gas station – Landings/takeoffs runway 03L/R |
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| WHERE | This spotting point is located at the gas station called ‘Gasolinera Cepsa’ in Las Majorera. Use exit 18 from the motorway and drive straight until you see the station. You can park your car at the gas station. From this place you will have a great view, clear view for landings and takeoffs on the southern runways. If you want to reach this point by public transport, take bus 1, 4, 5, 10, 11, 19, or 36 and go out at ‘Las Majoreras’. Then walk the route as shown on the map. Be careful, since you have to walk next to a busy road! Alternative is a footbridge just a few meters northwards of the gas station. You are on a higher level and don´t have disturbing buildings in the lower part of your frame. |
| WHAT | Best for landings 03L and 03R. Take-Offs possible but due to the distance and heat it is very tricky. |
| TIME | From afternoon till sunset during the whole year. |
| MISC. | You can buy snacks and drinks at the gas station. There is a toilet and enough shadow too. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 250mm for A320 |
Taken from the gas station:
Taken from the footbridge:
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Spot #4 – Las Puntillas – Take-offs 21L/R, planes taxiing to 03L/R |
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| WHERE | This location is at the end of the road ‘Calle Estevanez’. From #3 just pass the motorway and go to Calle Estevanez (red line) from there drive to the end of the road. Its a huge flat area and can park your car directly at the location. If you go there by public transport, you can take bus 1, 4, 5, 10, 11, 19, and 36, and go out at Cruce Las Puntillas. Then walk the red line as shown on the map. You can take pictures through the fence, and there’s a small hill as well. |
| WHAT | Apron overview, takeoffs 21L/R, planes taxiing to runway 03L/R. You might even see the planes vacating the runway, but for narrow bodies you’ll need a lot of zoom. 90 degree photos on the ground are not possible due to the bushes blocking the sight. |
| TIME | From afternoon till sunset during the whole year. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby, so bring what you need. Not that much shadow at this point. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-400mm. |
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Spot #5 – Beach – landings 21L/R |
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| WHERE | This location is at the beach Playa de Ojos de Garza. Use exit 15 from the motorway and follow the signs to the beach. Park your car at Av. Juan Perez Betancor and then walk the red line as shown on the map till the end of the road. You can either spot from the beach or stay on the terracce of the Bar/Restaurante named “Zurita”. You can reach this location by public transport if you take bus 1, 4, 5, 10, 11, 19, or 36, and go out at Cruce del Gando. Then walk the route as shown on the map. |
| WHAT | Landings on runway 21L and 21R. |
| TIME | From afternoon till sunset during the whole year. |
| MISC. | There’s a bar/restaurant at this location so you can grab a drink or something to eat here. The bar/restaurant is closed on monday. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-300mm |
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Spot #6 – sea – Landings 21R, take offs 21L/R |
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| WHERE | This one is quite a challenge to reach. Take exit 15 from the motorway and take turn left before the military base entrance. You can park your car on the beach near the road called ‘calle virgen del rocio’. Then you have to walk around 350m between the fence and the ocean. Be careful, the track is really small and there are big stones beside you! If you want to reacht this spot by public transport, take bus 1, 4, 5, 10, 11, 19, or 36 and follow the red line as shown on the map. There is a fence at this location, but you can stand on the big stones so you’ll have a view over the fence. No shadow available. |
| WHAT | Landings on 21R, takeoffs 21L and 21R. |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon during the whole year. |
| MISC. | Absolutely nothing nearby, so bring with you what you need. WARNING: This spotting location is close to the military base. There is a chance that you will be send away. Don’t photograph military planes from this spotting location! Try not to be prominent. Take the picture, and sit down on the stones directly. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 135mm for a B737 |
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Spot #7 – Roundabout – Landings runway 03L/R |
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| WHERE | From #3 just pass the motorway and park your car at Calle Kent. If you go there by public transport, you can take bus 1, 4, 5, 10, 11, 19, and 36, and go out at Cruce Las Puntillas. Then walk the red line as shown on the map. You can choose your position at the roundabout. |
| WHAT | Landings on 03L/R. |
| TIME | From afternoon till sunset during the whole year. |
| MISC. | This spot is closer to the runway so heat haze might be less than at spot 3. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200mm for a A320 |
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Spot #8 – Gravel Mount – Landings and Line-Ups Runway 03L/R |
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| WHERE | Same as spot #7. Park at Calle Kent and then walk down the gravel road until you pass a small building. Turn left until you reach the mounts close to the fence. You can move around here to find your preferred position. |
| WHAT | Landings and line ups for runways 03 L and R |
| TIME | From afternoon till sunset during the whole year. |
| MISC. | Absolutely nothing nearby, so bring with you what you need. The area looks like private property but there were no issues with security. But it is used also by locals to go the walkies with their dogs. So watch out for the dog poo… |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 125mm for a A320 |
DEC2020 a new house is being build to the right of the spot. Should not disturb the sight of the taxiway and landings.
Been at spot 1 and two today.. the amount of mm for ground shots are definitely not correct.. yes may be if you have a crop camera, but full frame definitely more than mentioned bow.
For landing shots at spot one 200-300 mm full frame if you want to have a nice side on shot, if you go closer you can do 100mm but you are than shopting the underside of the aircraft.
Spot 2 if the most useful one, for groundshots.. but for a full frame camera distances are for 320 320mm , 321 300mm , b738/max 320mm and a330-200 220mm a330-300 200mm.
The mm declarations in our guides are always for APS-C/crop sensors. Thanks for the numbers at #2 which I have converted into crop and added it to the position.
-Julian
Wonder if you can help with registration markings of 2 aircraft parked at the south end of the airport, facing north with rear balance aids, i noticed them as i taxied to runway 3r so they were on my right (seat 4d) on flight by1157 on 27/9/21
Hello everyone !!! 🤗 We have same building 3 apartments with Solarium, very close to the Gran Canaria airport, 800 meters from the head of the runway, 15 min. walking, but not very close because the noise is annoying for a quiet break time at Solarium 🌅🚿
We will be happy to give you the best accommodation for your spotting holidays, tips and many more.
The only accommodation in the area with a high-speed Internet connection. 📡🚀
Many services included.
💻 https://apartamentos-burrero-beach.webnode.es
📬 apartamentosburrero@gmail.com
Trust us with your stay, we will not fail you 🤝
Regards!!!
Is it allowed to listen to ATC there ?
Thanks to this information I paid my 2nd visit to LPA this year spending a full week spotting. Last year I visited as a side trip to my weeks spotting in TFS & TFN, on the Saturday, this is the busiest day, Thursday & Friday are the quieter days. Being a none photting spotter I used point 4 having haired a car both times. I had no problems at all with the Police / Airport Security who drove past on the inner perimeter road all day.
I got chatting to a couple of the local photting spotters who were very friendly & fortunately spoke very good English. I also was approached by Richard, an ex pat who with his wife Kate runs a B&B just around the corner from point 4. The B&B has a very nice balcony from which you can phot the arrivals to 03 & departures off 21. If you book direct then you get a 10% discount which you don’t get when booking through the usual www booking sites, give them a go they are really nice people :-
Rickaty Lodge B&B
45 Calle KANT
Las Puntillas
35259
email – rickatylodge@gmail.com
Text/WhatsApp – 0034 633 051 362
Use ref Holiday 10 as the booking code when booking direct
Hi Spotters
If You are into take good pictures of Gran Canaria airport (LPA), and you need accomodation, I have a holiday home in Fariones st. which is located at point #1.
The apartment offers its guests all the comforts they need in their two bedrooms, which can accommodate up to 4 people. The accomodation is a top floor, it has a balcony facing sea, and the the other side views on the final approach which can be seen from the door. You can sit and watch hidden from the sun. Noises that come from the airport are very low inside the apartment. The accomodation provides you unlimited free wifi and in the surroundings you will find all the facilities that you need as supermarkets, restaurants…
If you want more information, you can access to http://www.burreroseasight.webnode.es
Hi Juan,
Thanks for the info. I added the link to the guide.
Marcus
Hi, there’s a mistake, the real airport name is Gran Canaria Airport, not Las Palmas airport. Even, Las Palmas is not the capital city of the island or the island.
The región (“comunidad autónoma” in Spain) is Canarias, that have two provinces, one of them, Las Palmas involve three main inslands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria) and two minor islands (La graciosa and Lobos). The main island, Gran Canaria, where you have the capital city called Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The airport (LPA, GCLP) is at the Canary islands, at the province of Las Palmas, the island of Gran Canaria (whom it takes the name) but it’s not at the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but the city of Telde, the second city (in order of population and importance) in the island of Gran Canaria. And at the province of Las Palmas there are another two airports; Lanzarote airport (ACE, GCRR) at the island of the same name, and Fuerteventura airport (FUE, GCFV) at the island of the same name too.
Thank you very much.
Thanks, corrected!
-Severin
Totally agree with what you say about the name. Can be misleading to the unsure traveller. As with any trip away from home planning is essential. I found a couple of helpful sites that help in the planning, for example https://gran-canaria-airport.com/
I am here just now. Went to spotting point 6 this morning as they changed ends from 03 to 21. The fence has been damaged in places. Need to be a bit agile and not carry big bags. Got half way round and noticed the airport police waiting where I would be stopping so heeding the advice above I canned it and took some panoramic shots of stuff. Wasn’t worth heading round to be hunted off. They drove past me twice later on and blasted their sirens as they did so. Been unlucky with weather and runway changes.
What is the situation spotting here now.
I went in 2001 and whilst spotting (just logging regs, not photographing) from a car park at the airport was surrounded by police, taken to the police station and interrogated for hours. My holiday tour rep mediated fortunately, but not a pleasant experience.
16 years later we suffered absolutely no problems with security or police. But don´t stay too close at the military base.
-Julian