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August 19, 2014Genève Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
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- last modified on August 1, 2022
Geneva International Airport (GVA/LSGG) is located 4km north west of the city centre and it’s the second biggest airport in Switzerland in terms of traffic and size after Zürich Airport. More than 40% of air traffic in Geneva airport is linked to the activities of the airline easyJet Switzerland. GVA has two passengers terminals T1 and T2. T1 is using every time but the T2 is mostly used during the winter charter season. The passenger traffic is growing steadily since 2002. More than 16 million passengers flew at Geneva in 2016. To get to the city centre, the train is the fastest alternative. On average, 5 trains run every hour from the airport station to Cornavin (Geneva city). It takes you only 7 minutes.
The strength of Geneva Airport is without a doubt the business and governments jets traffic. Geneva is a well-known city for lots of political meetings, international organisation, human rights, business, banks and peaceful place. So you can’t be disappointed about business jets traffic as it runs up every time. Government jets are more tricky as we know only at the last minute when they are coming. The Middle East are the most regular visitors with all types.
Geneva doesn’t have a real interesting civilian traffics, it’s less than some major airport and some usual aircraft type that you see everywhere in Europe. Even for the international flights, nothing is special as we only have Air Canada 333, Air China 332, Emirates 2x 77W, Ethiopian 788/789/772/773, Etihad 789, Qatar 359, Swiss 333, United 763 & 764. Air Mauritius during Winter with a mixed of 339/343/359.
Written by Jeremy Denton, Martin Rogosz & Omar Alex Saffe. Last update August 2022
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather |  |
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 04/22 | 3.900 m (12.795 ft) Concrete |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | Intercontinental, European, low-coast airlines |
| Terminal 2 | Winter charter terminal |
| ATC Frequencies | Tower : 118.700; Departure : 119.520; Arrival : 136.250 |
| Construction | Be informed that a major construction is taking place at the spot nb5 “Arena” to build the new international terminal in order to improve the capacity and to renew Geneva Airport infrastructure. It’s still possible to get shots but sometimes it could be difficult due to park and taxi aircraft, fences and trucks. The ongoing works of the new International Terminal are scheduled to be completed around 2020. So expect that this spot will soon be gone. |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Necessary for some spots but not for the majority. Check where it’s mentioned. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is required for some spots but 90% can be done by bus TPG (Transport Publics Genevois) from the station called “Aéroport” (‘Airport’). Use the lines 23 / 28 / 57 / Y |
| Restrooms | Only at the terminal. |
| Drinks/Food | At the airport there is a supermarket called “Migros” where you can buy drinks and food located to the train station, about 7 minutes walk from the baggage claim. There is also a Petrol Station close to the spot located on rwy04 and a supermarket called “Lidl” to the spot located on rwy22 |
| Hotels | There are 3 good hotels around Geneva Airport : – Holiday Inn is close to rwy04 (10 minutes by walk). – Nash Airport Hotel or Ibis Genève Aéroport are about 3 minutes by bus to the airport then you need to take another bus to the spotting locations |
| Season | We suggest April – September, chance of bad weather in winter is pretty high however during winter time, you will be able to have really nice background pictures. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | Nothing special about runways at GVA. Used in all directions. |
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CLYS - MORNING ARRIVALS RWY22
| WHERE | By bus: Take the bus from the airport. Get onto bus 28 (direction Jardin-Botannique) or Y (direction Ferney-Voltaire). It will take you 7 minutes by bus and stop at Tunnel Routier. Then about 20-30 minutes walk. Pass the P48 (Business Jets static) then follow the road until you’ll see the ILS. Take on the right there is a road called “Ch. des Clys”. By car: From the airport, follow the direction “Lausanne”, you will arrive on the highway and take the exit “Gd-Saconnex”. Once out, take the roundabout and follow the direction “France”, you will pass over the highway. Then first on your right, pass the P48 (Business Jets static), follow the road until you’ll see the ILS take on the right there is a road called “Ch. des Clys”. |
| WHAT | Morning landings runway 22. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 75mm A342 / 110mm A320 / 145mm Casa 295 / 270mm Hawker |
P48 (BUSINESS JETS LONG-TERM PARKING)
| WHERE | By bus: Take the bus from the airport. Get on bus 28 (direction Jardin-Botannique) or Y (direction Ferney-Voltaire). It will take you 7 minutes and stop at Tunnel Routier. Then about 5 minutes by walk. From the stop Tunnel Routier you will see the tails of aircraft. By car: From the airport, follow the direction “Lausanne”, you will arrive on the highway and get out at the exit “Gd-Saconnex”. Once out, take the roundabout and follow the direction “France”, you will pass over the highway. First way on your right and you will see the P48. |
| WHAT | Since May 2019, the P48 has released a brand new layout. The parking can now see all types, from the smallest one to the 747-800 and even the 380. However, sadly for us, they have built a large/tall wall which suround the airport so we definetly recommand to carry a big ladder. Fortunetly, you can still take pictures at some places. Please note also that the aircraft will sadly be park towards the exit. Which means the tail will face the wall and the nose will face the Jura Moutain. |
| TIME | In summer, the best is the morning from 08:00 to 13:00 but you can also come at 15:00 depend by the position of the aircraft. In winter from 09:00-12:00 and also at 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-200mm for any aircraft |
PALEXPO STAIRS - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES BOTH RWYS 04/22
| WHERE | By bus: Take the bus from the airport. Get on bus 28 (direction Jardin-Botannique) or Y (direction Ferney-Voltaire). It will take you 3 minutes and stop at ‘Fret’. Than about 5-7 minutes by walk. Cross two parkings then you will see 6 huge stairs and take the last one (the one which is the fairest from you). By car: From the airport, follow the direction “Lausanne”, you will arrive on the highway and get out at the exit “Gd-Saconnex”. Once out, take the roundabout and follow the direction “France”, you will pass over the highway. Follow the direction “Fret” and the road beside the airport fence. Then take on your right where the sign ‘Fret’ is situated. Park your car in the parking on your first right. It cost you nothing for about 1 hour then it’s 1 CHF per hour. |
| WHAT | Arrivals & Departures both runways plus taxiing aircraft. Pictures could be tricky as you are shooting throw a howl approx 12 centimetres. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A321&B738 = 210mm / E195 = 240mm / A318 = 290mm / F2000 = 400mm |
FRET - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES BOTH RWYS 04/22
| WHERE | By bus: Take the bus from the airport. Get on bus 28 (direction Jardin-Botannique) or Y (direction Ferney-Voltaire). It will take you 3 minutes and stop at ‘Fret’. Than about 5-7 minutes by walk. Cross every parking, you will see business jets. By car: From the airport, follow the direction “Lausanne”, you will arrive on the highway and get out at the exit “Gd-Saconnex”. Once out, take the roundabout and follow the direction “France”, you will pass over the highway. Follow the direction “Fret” and the road beside the airport fence. Then take on your right where the sign ‘Fret’ is situated. Park your car in the parking on your first right. It cost you nothing for about 1 hour then it’s 1 CHF per hour. |
| WHAT | From this spot, you can get arrivals/departures both runways plus taxiing aircraft on both runways and aircraft which are on a remote place (parked in front of you). |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00 and in Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing near this spot. A ladder is recommended to avoid shooting throw the fence particularly if you have a big lens and to avoid as well the aircraft containers. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-300mm |
THE HILL - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY22
| WHERE | From spot 2 walk down to the crossroads and continue towards West (airport terminal) until you see a huge model in construction of what the new international terminal will be. Enter in this open area. We have also underline it in our map please have a check. |
| WHAT | Mostly arrivals/departures runway22. Taxiing also but you will have the fences on the bottom of your pictures. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby and A LADDER IS NECESSARY to avoid the fence. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18mm to 300mm |
RESTAURANT LE CHEF - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES BOTH RWYS 04/22
| WHERE | From the Terminal 1, follow the signs Restaurant “Le Chef”. You will have to go to the departure floor, take an elevator on which is located between of the security check and the toilets. Take the lift to the top (Le Chef). The restaurant is before the security check, so do not go throw the security. |
| WHAT | You can have pictures trough the windows from the bar or a table of the restaurant close to the windows. Taxiing aircraft, take-off and landings. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00 or night shots. |
| MISC. | This is an expensive restaurant, you can have a drink at the bar take pictures or sit at a table have a lunch and taking pictures. Be careful about reflex which is quiet a problem. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-300mm |
JET AVIATION
| WHERE | By bus: Take any of the following buses: 23 – 57 – 28 (direction Parfumerie) – Y (direction Val Thoiry) at the airport and stop at Blandonnet. It’s about 4 minutes. Then go on the right, cross the road, take the stairs and go strait you will see business jets parked in front of you. By car: From the airport, take the highway direction France and exit at Meyrin. Follow the road Route de Meyrin. Then turn on the right when it’s write TAG Aviation go straight, pass in front of TAG, Privatair and Jet offices. You’ll see a parking on the right of the road. Here you can stay the morning without problem |
| WHAT | At the spot you can take pictures of only business jets park. |
| TIME | From 09:00 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | You have a supermarket called “COOP” opposite of the Spot. You need to cross the bridge and follow the way to coop. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18mm if an aircraft are close to the fence and a 200mm if it’s fare. |
THE BRIDGE - MORNING ARRIVALS RWY04
| WHERE | By bus: Take any of the following buses: 23 – 57 – 28 (direction Parfumerie) – Y (direction Val Thoiry) at the airport and stop at Blandonnet. It’s about 4 minutes. Then go on the right, cross the road, take the stairs and go straight you will see a bridge on your left. By car: From the airport, take the highway direction France and exit at Meyrin. Follow the road Route de Meyrin. Then turn on the right when you see TAG Aviation, go straight and pass in front of TAG, Privatair and Jet offices. You’ll see a parking on the right of the road. Here you can stay the morning without problem. |
| WHAT | Only arrivals runway 04 with Jura Mountains on the background. It’s a well known place especially in winter time. During Summer, avoid this location after 10:00 due to heat haze. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | You have a supermarket called “COOP”, from the bridge follow the way. Heat haze might be a problem from ~25 degree on. Apart from this, the time for taking pictures is limited and you won’t be able to take more than 3 (if you aren’t using series-mode). Therefore the background is really nice. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 165mm A345 / 170mm A333 / 330mm B738 / 340mm A319 |
TAG AVIATION - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY04
| WHERE | By bus: Take any of the following buses: 23 – 57 – 28 (direction Parfumerie) – Y (direction Val Thoiry) at the airport and stop at Blandonnet. It’s about 4 minutes. Then go on the right, cross the road, take the stairs and go straight, pass TAG, JET and Privatair offices. You will see a parking on the right. By car: From the airport, take the highway direction France and exit at Meyrin. Follow the road Route de Meyrin. Then turn on the right when it’s write TAG Aviation (the spot is on your left but you need to park your car further), go straight pass in front TAG, Privatair and Jet offices. You’ll see a parking on the right of the road. Here you can stay the morning without problem.Parking inside the TAG Aviation area is PRIVATE! You might use the spots by the roadside or the COOP parking. |
| WHAT | At this point, you can have pictures of arrivals and departures on rwy 04 trough the fences. |
| TIME | In Summer, arrival from 06:30 to 14:00 and departures from 09:00-15:00. In Winter arrivals from 08:30 to 14:00 and departures from 10:00-14:00. |
| MISC. | You have a supermarket called “COOP” opposite of the spot. Cross the bridge and follow the way. Heat haze might be a problem on hot days.
Apart from this, the time for taking pictures is a bit limited and after a few shots the fence will appear in the bottom of the shot(s). But after a few planes you’ll get used to the situation and spotting will be “easier”. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Approach: 95mm B763 / 115mm B752 / 180mm Citation XTaxiway: 55mm B763 / 90mm B733 / 116mm A319 |
LINE-UP RWY04 - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES
| WHERE | From spot 9, get out of the parking and take the way on your right for about 200m, then you will have a nice view of the airport and line-up aircraft. |
| WHAT | You can have great shot of line-up, departures, an overview of the airport and close-up arrivals. |
| TIME | In Summer and Winter, when the sun is on the axis of the planes 14:00 to 17:00 |
| MISC. | There is a petrol station called “Total” at 5 minutes by walk direction north from the spot. Due to the high trees, taking pictures of arrivals got quite difficult. For more time change to spot #9/TAG Aviation. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 55mm B744 / 120mm A319 / 130mm RJ85 / 140mm G550 |
Situation changed a lot, because the trees grew up! That’s why arrivals are only limited possible – at most 2 shots for a B738!
RESTAURANT LE GAROCO - AFTERNOON ARRIVALS RWY04
| WHERE | From spot 10, continue to walk for about 7 minutes on the north where the petrol station “Tamoil” is. Than on the right of the petrol station, you will see the Nissan garage. You need to go behind the building where there is a small rise way which allows you to access by foot to the roof and then you will see the terrace of the restaurant. WE RECENTLY HAD SOME ISSUES WITH THE HEAD OF THE NISSAN GARAGE AS IT IS A “PRIVATE PARKING AREA” WE ARE NOT WELCOMED. YOU MIGHT HAVE SOME ISSUES TO WITH HIM HOWEVER YOU ARE ALLOWED TO STAY ON THE TERRACE OF THE RESTAURANT AND DO THE WAY TRIP TO THE PARKING WHEN AIRCRAFT ARE COMING. PLEASE DO NOT PARK YOUR CAR ON THE ROOF, IT IS NOW PROHIBITED. |
| WHAT | Good spot for landings runway 04. |
| TIME | In Summer from 17:00 to 20:45. In Winter not good, too much in the axe. |
| MISC. | There is the petrol station 3 minutes by walk from the spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80mm B744 / 105mm A310 / 130mm A320 / 170mm G650 |
LINE-UP RWY04 AFTERNOON DEPARTURES
| WHERE | From spot 11, cross the road called “Av. De Mategnin”, continue strait direction north for about 5minutes then turn on the small way on the right. Cross thefields, stay next to the airport fence and stay next to the tries with your ladder. |
| WHAT | Good location for departures on rwy04 and arrivals can be taken but hardly. |
| TIME | In Summer, from 17:00 to 20:45. In Winter from 14:00 to 17:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100mm-300mm |
GENERAL AVIATION
| WHERE | From the spot 17 continue on “Rte H.-C. Forestier” pass the graveyard on your left, then Swiftcopter and the aeroclub on your right continue driving until your pass the car park on your right you haven airport gate which you can access by taking a ticket. The first 10 minutes are free. Enter the parking and drive until the bizjets ramp. |
| WHAT | Only static business jets are possible. |
| TIME | In Summer, from 14:00 to 17:00. |
| MISC. | There is a bistro next to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18mm to 100mm |
AFTERNOON ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWYS04/22
| WHERE | By car : Coming from the Ferney border, turn right on the 2nd runabout, direction “Meyrin”. Follow the road for about 1500m, when you see the Leclerc supermarket, just before the runabout there’s a road on your left heading to the forest. That’s what you’re looking for. Coming from Meyrin, just follow the road to Ferney and after the runabout by the Leclerc supermarket, the road leading to the spot is on your right. Please note that you need to park your car at the beginning of that road and walk for about 10/15min to the airport fence. When reaching the forest, take the RIGHT road. |
| WHAT | Arrivals and departures can be taken for both runways. Ladder is necessary. |
| TIME | From 17:00 to 20:45. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50mm – 200mm |
COW FIELD - AFTERNOON ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY22
| WHERE | By car : After the customs, continue strait until the roundabout, come back and then take immediately on the right before the customs. Finally go strait until you see the fence of the airport. By bus : Stop at “Tunnel Routier”, cross the customs go strait and take the grass on the left side. Continue strait until the fence of the airport. |
| WHAT | Arrivals and take-off can be taken on rwy04. One favour, when cow are present on the field, please don’t go. The farmer allows us to take pictures on his field but he doesn’t want to see us when his cows are on the field. |
| TIME | From 17:00 to 20:45. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50mm – 200mm |
L'OASIS - AFTERNOON ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY22
| WHERE | By Bus: From the Tunnel Routier, the one who is after the house next to the P48, after stop at Douane and walk for about 20 minutes. Pass the customs then take the first road on the right called “Chemin de Colovrex” go straight until you see Lidl supermarkert. Pass the parking and follow the way.
By Car: Follow the direction Ferney on the left from the crossroads, you will pass under the tunnel, pass the customs than take the first road on your right “chemin de Colovrex”. Go straight until you see Lidl supermarket, you can park your car inside. |
| WHAT | Good location for landings and departures on rwy22. |
| TIME | In Summer, from 17:00 to 20:45. In Winter from 14:00 to 17:00. |
| MISC. | There is a supermarket called “Lidl” where you can buy drinks and food |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70mm B772 / 90mm B762 / 116mm B738 / 240mm Learjet |
CRASH GATE - AFTERNOON ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY04
| WHERE | From spot 12, continue to walk along the fences direction est until you reached the crash gate. Other wise, take the car, exit the Nissan garage on the left follow the road direction north. Before the second roundabouts turn on the left and park along the trees. Don’t drive on the dirty road on the right (you have a sign that does not allow you to drive here as it is reserved to the farmers). on top of that, you might be in troubles with the police. |
| WHAT | Tricky location for landings and departures on rwy04 as you shot throw the fences and a big lense might be a problem but a nice background could be seen on the pictures. A LADDER IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ! |
| TIME | In Summer, from 1700 to sunset 2045. In Winter from 1400 to 1700 approximately. |
| MISC. | Nothing near by the spot. So bring what you need with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 210mm = Falcon 900 / 78mm = Airbus 343 |
FARMER FIELD - AFTERNOON ARRIVALS RWY22
| WHERE | By car: From spot 1, continue the road you’ll pass under the ILS, then strait and take the second road on your right called “Chemin de la Radio”. Park your car next to the dirty ground not to block the road. |
| WHAT | Only landings on rwy22 in the afternoon. |
| TIME | In Summer, from 17:00 to 20:45. In Winter from 14:00 to 17:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 140mm A359 / 210mm A320 / 240mm Dhas8-400 |
PARKING P51 - MORNING DEPARTURES RWY22
| WHERE | From the airport, drive or walk by following the signs Parking P51 or car rental it is on the last floor. From highway, follow Geneva Airport then Rental Car, Parking P51 and drive until you reach the roof. |
| WHAT | Only departures on rwy22 in the morning. Recommended for big aircraft. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you.
Parking rates: |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 340mm CS300/A320 / 170mm B773 / 140mm = A124 |
Terrasse Panorama - All movements
| WHERE | Located inside the Terminal 1 and accessible to the public (no need to hold a boarding pass), you can simply follow the sign “Terrasse Panorama” which starts from the Westside on arrival level. You’ll need to take the lift which will carry you to the floor nb4 and pass through a security check. You are allowed to take foods and drinks with you. A cafe with toilets are available at the terrasse area. |
| WHAT | All movements both runways. Be aware of heat haze on runway during hot days. |
| TIME | Opening hours (not ideal for spotters!)
15.03 – 30.04 01.05 – 31.10 01.11 – 14.03 |
| MISC. | Everything you need, foods, drinks, toilets, shadows, benches, etc. Be aware during Summer of the heat haze on the runway and on the tarmac due to APU etc. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-400mm |
EBACE (European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition) / 23 - 25 May 2022
| WHERE | There are some shuttle from Palexpo Hall 7 or the Airport which will bring you at the main entrance of EBACE. |
| WHAT | EBACE (European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition) is an every year event at Geneva Airport. More than 30 aircraft at the display can be seen from a BBJ to a CJ, smallest aircraft and helicopters too. You can buy tickets directly on the site of EBACE but it’s quite expensive.
Most of the business jets are always coming 1 to 3 days before the event starts. |
| TIME | Static display, from 10:00 to 18:00 other wise for the stands are open from 08:00 until 20:00. |
| MISC. | There is some snacks and bar inside Palexpo. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18 – 200mm |
Bonjour, J’ai vu hier le 9 sept 2022 dans l’après-midi décoller un 737 immatriculé YP-CK.. Je n’arrive pas à trouver le pays d’origine de cet avion. Pouvez-vous m’aider? Merci