MEX - Spot 1
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August 14, 2015Mexico City Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on November 30, 2023
Mexico City International Airport “Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez de la Ciudad de México” (AICM) is Mexico’s biggest and largest airport. It serves Mexico City and is the main hub for Aeromexico and Interjet with also important operations for Volaris and Viva Aerobus. The airport handled over 34 million passengers in 2014 and is currently at top of its capacity. There were plans for a new airport to replace the current one just a few miles northeast of AICM, but the project was cancelled in 2018, so we’ll have Benito Juárez Airport for, at least, 10 more years.
By far the strongest airline in AICM is Aeromexico and subsidiary Aeromexico Connect. Other mexican carriers with important operations are Interjet, VivaAerobus, Volaris, Magnicharters and Aeromar. International traffic you will see are the typical US carriers: American, Delta, United and jetBlue. Some more international carriers serve AICM are Air Canada Rouge, LATAM Chile/Brazil/Peru, Cubana (as of september 2019, they are operating an Ilyushin IL-96 every saturday morning) Copa Airlines, Avianca, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, China Southern and All Nippon Airways (ANA). Daily flights from European carriers Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia, British Airways and KLM also serve the airport. Emirates it’s set to begin operations on december 9, 2019.
The most rare movements at Mexico City Aiport are those airframes coming for maintenance at Mexicana MRO Services. Some of its foreign costumers include Boliviana de Aviación, Air Panama, Azul Linhas Aéreas, AtlasGlobal, Blue Panorama, some latin american air forces and others.
Mexico is also a good cargo airport, but unfortunately most interesting stuff arrives at night like Estafeta (a national cargo airline), Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Cargo, Atlas (Panalpina), Ethiopian Cargo, Amerijet International and Turkish Cargo. There are though some interesting cargo movements during the day (and you might get lucky with night delays sometimes) like national cargo carriers AeroUnion and MasAir. International Cargo carriers regularly seen on daylight include Cargolux, Cathay Pacific Cargo, DHL, UPS, Air France Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, among others.
Mexico City Int’l Airport is also home base for Mexico’s Air Force operations; although Santa Lucia Air Force Base is just north of the city, you will see operations from the Air Force on a regular basis including its 737’s, C-295’s, Hercules and Gulfstreams. As for private operations, they are practically limited in this airport as by law they were transferred to Toluca Airport (west of Mexico City) in 1994. If you’re lucky, you’ll will spot some head-of-state aircrafts and some USAF planes such C-17’s, Gulfstreams and Hercules.
Due to the hot and humid airport conditions, along with the altitude, most heavy departures will happen at dark.
Written by Juan Carlos Guerra and Ángel García Hdez (local spotter)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 05L/23R | 3.963 m (13.002 ft) |
| 05R/23L | 3.985 m (13.074 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | Almost every airline will use this terminal except for those listed on Terminal 2 |
| Terminal 2 | Sky Team Terminal (Aeromexico/Aeromexico Connect, Delta), also used by Aeromar and Copa Airlines |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not needed at all for any spot. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is strongly recommended for some remote spots. Not necessary, but it is faster to get around with one. There is public transport to the popular spots. |
| Restrooms | Only available at spots 1, 2, 9 and 11. |
| Drinks/Food | The signature spot “McDonalds Bridge” has a McDonalds of course. La Casa de la Aviación and Skyline Coffee have a nice selection of food, drinks and snacks. Some local “Micelaneas” and convenience stores will be helpful to grab a bag of chips and a soda. |
| Hotels | Several hotels at the airport (three inside terminals) and in the neighbourhood. Also, you can book many Airbnb’s that are very close to the spots. |
| Season | Some of the best spots will be good only in the summer and unfortunately overall precipitation is heavily concentrated in these months, and it includes dense hail. Weatherwise, Mexico City area receives about 820 millimetres (32.3 in) of annual rainfall, which is concentrated from May through October with little or no precipitation the remainder of the year, but cloudy and smoky days are also frequent year round. If you get a sunny day and you know where to be, all year is fine for spotting. Although Mexico City has a subtropical highland climate a good jacket is always helpful especially in the winter months. We suggest March and April as the better months for photography as they have higher possibilities for runways 23 usage which includes some of the best spotting locations. |
| Security | Spotting around Mexico City Airport ain’t easy and authorities don’t like photographers in parking zones or airport buildings. There are though some amazing spots around the airport which we will detail in this guide. BE STRICTLY ADVISED THAT IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO NEVER BE ALONE AROUND MEXICO CITY AIRPORT. Although there are few reports of robbery and crime around the airport, it is always preferable to be accompanied and not flashing a fancy camera on your neck. Always keep your eyes opened on the back of your head and if you see any suspicious activity, walk or drive away and come back a few minutes later. Mexican spotters are very kind and friendly and would almost always be happy to provide help and company for foreign fellow spotters. Be sure to plan your trip with time and contact a fellow spotter in advance with help of the known photo websites like airliners.net, planespotters.net or jetphotos.net |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | Runway configuration in Mexico City Airport is typically (around 70% or 80% of the time) with 05’s in use. Runways 23 are frequently used in the afternoons of December and early spring (February till late April / early May) and when big storms pound the airport during the summer months. Although Mexico City Int’l Airport has two runways, you will always be able to see all the action and almost always photograph everything not regarding the spot you are in. Of course the closer the better. We will detail on focal length later in each spot. A last minute landing runway change can happen at any time, the little separation between runways allows traffic to switch from one runway to another just a few miles while on short final. |
| 05L | This is the main departure runway. Almost every airplane coming out of Terminal 1 will use this runway, except for heavies which will regularly use 05R. Some landings also take place in this runway, since it has no ILS, it requires good visual conditions. |
| 23R | The main departure runway when 23’s configuration is on. Around 90% of the traffic will use this runway for departure (except heavies and some heavy loaded local flights). |
| 05R | This is the main landing runway. Almost all the heavies will land here for sure (99% chance). It is also used for some traffic departing terminal 2 when the incoming traffic is going to Terminal 1 and they can switch to 05L for landings. |
| 23L | Main landing runway when south winds are present and runway 23’s are in use. Almost everything will land here. |
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Spot #1 – Camino Real |
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| WHERE | The Hotel Camino Real is good for spotting, though you have to be a registered guest to get a room. For spotting you should get a room on the top floors. The hotel is connected to Terminal 1 building by pedestrian bridge, just walk to the National Arrivals Hall, on the second floor and walk over on the bridge to the hotel. |
| WHAT | Almost all movements on the airport. Traffic taxing for runways 05 out of terminal 1. All movements from T2 and all landings on runway 05s. Take offs out of 23’s could look awesome though there are many obstacles (antennas mainly) blocking a clean shot, also planes could be a bit too high already if rotating out of 23R. There is limited view to some parts of Terminal 1 and the cargo apron. |
| TIME | Only good in the late afternoons. Winter will be back-lit almost all day long. |
| MISC. | Be advised you are shooting through a glass and windows can not be opened. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Above 300mm. |
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Spot #2 – Mc Donalds Pedestrian Bridge (McPuente) |
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| WHERE | There are no official spotting points in AICM, but this one could be considered the most iconic one. Located on “Blvd. Puerto Áereo / Circuito Interior”. Look for a McDonalds on the other side of the road, the pedestrian bridge that crosses over the main road offers an amazing view to the airport. No need for a ladder at all. This spot is usually crowded with local people walking by who stop to watch planes for a second. You’ll need to be patient a minute or two before a place next to the fence opens. There you’ll have holes through the fence. By car: From Terminal 1, walk to the end of the national arrivals hall, exit the airport and walk for about 10 minutes (left once you exit the building) It will be the second pedestrian bridge. By public transport: You should take Metro Line #5 (Yellow) and exit on “Terminal Aérea” station which is just minutes away walking (to the south) from the spot. If you are driving, park your car in the McDonalds parking lot and on your way out grab a burger and the fee will be cheap (keep your food ticket in order to use the restrooms). If not, just park there and pay about $20 or $30 pesos (2 USD) |
| WHAT | You can see every single movement from here. Great when runways 5’s are in use. All the traffic taxing out from terminal 1 will come right in front of you and sometimes queue right there. Traffic leaving T2 will also be visible, but you need a larger lens and heat haze could be a problem until later in the afternoon when it gets ok. Good for night shots but, since it’s a pedestrian bridge, you may experience some vibrations; also, don’t be alone by night. |
| TIME | Winter: Backlight till around 3pm. Planes on the runway will then have tail light. It is OK for planes taxing out of T2 from around noon. Average OK for taxi shots of planes out of T1 an hour before sunset or so. Spring/Summer/Fall: Backlight till about 2pm then OK for taxiing airplanes out of both terminals Great after 5:00pm (daylight’s saving time on). Watch for heat haze for planes out of T2 till about 4:00pm or 5:00pm. Good for planes landing from about 4:00pm (better from late April to early Sept.) |
| MISC. | Probably the safest spot of all, there is always people, but as in every other spot, it is better if you are not alone. Don’t keep your camera out, better to have it on a backpack or covered by a light jacket. Food and restrooms accessible at the McDonalds on the other side of the bridge. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | An A320 taxing by can take as little as 55mm. And you can go as far as 400mm for an ERJ 145 lining up on 05R. A 737-800 approaching 05R will be ok with around 285mm. |
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Spot #3 – General Motors Pedestrian Bridge (Chevropuente) |
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| WHERE | From spot #2 keep walking south for about 10 minutes and you’ll find another pedestrian bridge. As the spot name says it, here is a GM’s car agency right there. Parking is on the street at your discretion. Hide all your goods or have them in the trunk before you walk away from your car. |
| WHAT | Approaching traffic for 05R (summer only). |
| TIME | Good in the summer from about 4:00 pm till dark. Spring and fall can be fair from about 3:00 but light will be from the tail. Otherwise backlight all winter and all mornings year round. |
| MISC. | There is no shade. A convenience store within a BP Gas Station is located just 140 meters away. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | An A320 will be ok with 135mm (side shot). A 747 will be good with 80mm. |
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Spot #4 – Hangares Approaches (mornings) |
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| WHERE | If Spot #2 is the iconic spotting point in AICM, this is the runner up, since its the most common place for shooting in the mornings. Located on “Eje 1 Norte/Fuerza Áerea Mexicana”. This spot is in the middle of a highway. To avoid trees, poles and cables, you should stay at the north exit of the metro station. If you are fearless enough, stand on the Raised Median (traffic island) in the middle of the road. By car: Park on “Asistencia Pública” street, hide your belongings in the trunk and lock-up well, walk for about 30 seconds or a minute to the metro station and use the pedestrian crossing at the station (you don’t have to pay a metro ticket, just follow the “Paso Peatonal” signs) to get into the spot. By public transport (highly recommended): You should take Metro Line #5 (Yellow) and exit on “Hangares” station, walk out of the subway using the north exit (Eje 1 Norte/Fuerza Aérea Mexicana, Colonia Federal) and you’ll be right on the spot. |
| WHAT | Approaching traffic for 05R (main landing runway). Runways 05 will be used for landing 99.8% mornings. Approaching traffic for 05L will be probably too far away. You can still manage to shoot 1 or 2 pictures when the planes appear over the road, but the obstacles in the way will mostly wreck your shot. |
| TIME | Good year round from sunrise till about 11:00 or so in the summer and till 3:00 pm or so in the winter (deal with some tail light as you approach noon). |
| MISC. | There is no shade, food or restrooms. If you are standing in the middle of the road, don’t panic if cars (specially trucks) honk the horn or yell at you, they are not aggressive, they are just trying to be fun. You’ll find one or two policemen right there, so you can feel safe while you’re spotting but, as always, never be alone and keep always alert. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A 737-800 will be ok with 90mm. E170 if fine with 125mm. A 747 requires 60mm. |
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Spot #5 – Hangares Approaches (afternoon) |
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| WHERE | From spot #4, keep walking northwest for about half a kilometre until you are on the other side of the approach pattern. If you are by car, you can park on “Calle 28” and cross the avenue walking. |
| WHAT | Approaching traffic for 05R (summer only). |
| TIME | Just as spot #3, this spot will only be good in the summer from about 4:00 pm till dark. Spring and fall can be fair from about 3:00 but light will be from the tail. Otherwise backlight all winter and all mornings year round. |
| MISC. | Many cables and trees will be on your way. No restrooms nor facilities. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | They are just over your head! Bring a 50mm at least. |
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Spot #6 – Alameda Oriente |
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| WHERE | This one is a bit harder to get to, unless you know the area: From Avenida “Fuerza Áerea” (spotting point #4) keep driving southeast, you’ll pass Terminal 2 on the left hand side, keep driving until you see a gas station on the left, make a left in that traffic light (most traffic will U turn, but you should keep straight) and enter street “Alberto Santos Dumont”. Keep straight and follow the road until it comes dead end, there you should turn right on “Revolución”, keep going on (if you see the tower on the left a couple hundred of meters after you are on the correct path, keep your self on the track and pass the entrance to “Estafeta” and “Interjet” hangars, the road will make a sharp left turn, look for an exit on the right side (there will be a couple of guards opening a chain, there is no way back, after you cross that door/chain, make a left into “Prolongación Río Churubusco”. Follow the street till it merges with “Av. Bordo de Xochiaca” (merge left) wich becomes “Via Express Tapo” just ahead. You’ll see some mini hangars on the left, by the time you reach the last one, there is an entrance on the right to the “Alameda Oriente”, the parking fee is MXN $26 (USD 1.32), enter there, park, find a cozy spot between the bushes next to the fence and shoot at will. Not accessible by public transport; you could take a taxi instead from Spot #4 (maximum fare: MXN $40 [USD 2]). |
| WHAT | All departing traffic on 05R. 05L are possible too but due to the long distance just with minor quality. |
| TIME | Good in the early mornings till around noon, year round (during february and november until 3:00 pm; in may, april, august and september until 2:00 pm). Amazing light in winter (december and january until 4:30 pm). |
| MISC. | Once you have parked, it is much preferable if you stay inside the park, you can of course walk outside and shoot from the sidewalk to avoid any obstacles, if you do so, please, please, keep alert at all times. Inside the park you should be OK. There is no place to buy food or drinks, neither W.C. facilities, there are a lot of bushes if you need to… |
| FOCAL LENGTH | For departing traffic on 05R you might need around 150-220mm for a widebody and between 250-300mm for A320/737 |
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Spot #7 – Runway 23 Approaches |
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| WHERE | This is probably the most un-safe spot of them all. There are two ways to get here: one is coming from spot #6 and the other one is coming from spots 8 or 9. From spot #6 keep driving east on “Via Express Tapo” until the road makes a 90º left turn, find a spot to park your car. The other way to get here is (first you need to read spot 8). Once you are on “Av 602 / Vía Tapo” keep driving until you reach “Efren Carrillo” (there is a huge gas station there, right after where you should turn), make a right turn into “Vía Tapo Express” drive south a couple of meters and find a spot to park. If possible shoot from the inside of your car. Keep your eyes always opened and ready to rocket away if you see anything abnormal. Not accessible by public transport. |
| WHAT | Approaching traffic to both 23’s runway’s. You can position yourself along the “Via Tapo Express” to find your preferred angle. |
| TIME | Its mostly good year round, since you can lurk around depending on the light. |
| MISC. | This used to be an amazing place to catch sunsets, but unfortunately they changed the old fence and now there is no way to put your camera through the new one, if you find a little hole you might be ok. No restrooms nor food shops nearby. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Depends on how much you want to zoom in, but you can be ok with as little as 50mm or 70mm. |
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Spot #8 – La Cuchilla del Tesoro |
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| WHERE | If you’ve studied enough, and browsed through tons of pictures from AICM already, this is, probably, the spot you are waiting for. Read carefully: All the spotting points from here are private houses, if you get here on your own for a first time, you’ll probably come out with your hands empty. Contact a local photographer first and be sure he has a spot where to bring you. To get here from the terminals, by car, you should exit any terminal and hit “Blvd Puerto Áereo / Circuito Interior” heading north, after the side road and the middle lanes merge (just after a huge down-hill) you should keep your ass on the right, make a right turn on “Av. Oceania” (where a huge “metro” station is). Keep driving on Oceania for about a mile, always stay on the right lanes. When you see some baseball fields on the right, turn there and merge into “Av 602 / Vía Tapo” stay on the side road (unless you are heading to spot #7, then you can enter the main road) drive for a couple of miles, you should then see “Mexicana’s” hangar and the road will turn slightly to the left, keep straight and keep on the side-road after a traffic light. Then you should make a right on any street from “poniente 13 until Poniente 6” depending on the spot you are headed. By public transport: Take the subway Metro Line “B” (green/gray) and exit on “Bosque de Aragón” Then walk south for about 2.0 km and you will be in the general area. Trust me, you should better contact a local. |
| WHAT | Every single operation is visible from here. If runways 23’s are on, then this is the place to be. If 05’s are on you’ll see every airplane landing and going to T1 right in your face. Planes going to T2 will exit to the other side of the runway, but they are still very ‘photogenic’. Departing traffic on 05R will be good, heavies (if any) will rotate right in front. Departing traffic on 05L will generally be a little bit high already. |
| TIME | Good in the afternoons. If 23’s are on, this will be amazing from late Feb to late October. Nov-Jan will have head-light. If 05’s are on: Winter, you can be ok in the afternoons but only for traffic vacating to the left, everything else will be backlight. From March till October you’ll be ok after 4:30pm (daylights saving time on). |
| MISC. | As stated before, it is better to be here with someone that knows its way around, but if you are willing to try on your own, there is a tiny spot with holes through the fence right on “Nte 1” and “Pte 9” (where the marker on the map is). Be aware that this is a parking lot for a private neighbourhood and although the gate is always open, the neighbours can kick you out if they want. The bad part of this parking lot its that its only suitable if 23’s are on, if 05’s are, everything will turn before the spot and you’ll be backlight. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A landing 737-700 on 23L requires 300mm. For 23R it can take as little as 80mm (for a side shot). |
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Spot #9 – La Casa de la Aviación |
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| WHERE | Located in the general area as explained on Spot #8, in the street “Poniente 13”, where it dead-ends. Formerly known as La Casa de Juan Juan, this is the first spotter’s coffee opened to the general public in Mexico since 2015; also, it’s the most family-friendly from all of the spots. It opens tuesday to fridays from 2:00 to 8:00 pm and saturdays and sundays from 12:00 to 9:00 pm; but you can come early in the morning or even stay beyond 9:00 pm (Please, contact them first. They have a local phone-number for WhatsApp inquiries: +525541121997). They even organize special events when a new aircraft or airline begins operations at MEX. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram to stay tuned (search for La Casa de la Aviación)
This is the best place to do night shots at MEX, specially when runways 23’s are active; so tripod is highly recommended (you can rent one right there for only MXN $10 [USD 0.50] ) The entrance prices depends on your visit’s time. Starting with MXN $20 (USD 1) on business times up to MXN $60 (USD 3) if you want to come early in the morning or spotting at night. By car: Follow the directions for the general area (Spot #8), turn right on Poniente 13 and continue until the dead-end. Parking fee: MXN $20 (USD 1) |
| WHAT | Aircrafts using B, E, F or H taxiways to exit runway 05R and those using B taxiway to leave 05L will be crossing right in front of the spot, as well as all outbound traffic from T1 when runways 23’s are in use. Most of the movements in cargo terminal and Mexicana MRO are visible too from here. Also, you’ll spot every single take off and landing, regardless the active runways. |
| TIME | For taxing aircraft: Good year round from 2:00 pm when B, E, F or H taxiways are used. For those planes before or after crossing runway 05L/23R and using B taxiway, good light from sunrise until 9:00 am in march and october, until 11:00 am in april and september, until noon in august and until 1:40 from may to july. Backlight from november to february. For aircrafts taxing to terminals on B and D taxiways: great light from may to july starting 1:00 pm; in august from 2:00 pm; in march, april and september from 3:00 pm; in february, october and november from 4:00 pm. Tail/nose light in winter from 4:30 pm.For cargo terminal and Mexicana MRO movements: Good from sunrise to 11:00 am (november to february); in march, september and october until 11:30 am and until 1:00 pm from april to august.For take offs and landings: great like starting 1:40 pm from may to july; during august from 2:00 pm; in march, april and september from 3:00 pm; and from 4:00 pm in february, october and november. Tail/nose light too in winter from 4:30 pm. |
| MISC. | Restrooms, food, drinks and snacks are available. Bring always a jacket, to keep you warm during nights and winter. You can charge your devices and batteries. They have a security system, so you and your gear will be safe all time. The owner and her staff will make you feel like in home. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Between 70 and 240mm. 300mm for traffic on 05R/23L. Less than 55mm for those heavies taxing on B. |
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Spot #10 – Sunset Shots (Suburbia Parking Lot) |
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| WHERE | Located on “Circuito Interior/Blvd. Puerto. Aereo” south of the airport. Look for a big Walmart and Suburbia shopping centre. Park there on the roof top and find your preferred spot for approaching traffic.
By public transport: take the subway Metro Line #1 (Pink) and exit on “Blvd. Puerto Aéreo” station, its just within walking minutes of the Walmart shopping centre. |
| WHAT | Airplanes approaching runways 05. |
| TIME | Good in the deep winter months (Dec. Jan) in the late afternoons, mostly just half an hour before sunset. |
| MISC. | Food and restrooms available in the stores. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400mm for traffic on 05R as they intercept the sun path way behind during the approach. |
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Spot #11 – Skyline Coffee (Aeronacional Flight School) |
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| WHERE | Located in the southwest area of the airport, Skyline Coffee (opened 2017) is another cafeteria that has a roof area for planespotters; from that area you can see the airport area without obstacles (you’ll find some poles and lamps, but they aren’t a big deal). They serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, snacks and coffee. There is a minimum spend of MXN 90 (about USD 5) in order to get into the roof area (if you don’t want to eat right after arriving, you can pay MXN 90 and change your ticket for food and/or drinks later). Although the cafeteria is open from 9 am to 9 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, the roof area is only available on Fridays (5 pm to 9 pm), Saturdays and Sundays (10 am to 9 pm).
You can reach Skyline Coffee by foot from Spots #2 (Go straight Norte 13 street and turn left on Calle 28), #3 (walk southwest on Blvd. Puerto Aereo [on the airport side], then turn left and, when you arrive to Hangares Metro Station, enter to the station and use the pedestrian crossing within the station [you don’t have to pay a ticket to do so]; finally, walk northwest and you’ll see the cafe after a DHL facility) and #4. By public transport: Take Metro Line #5 (Yellow) and exit on Hangares Station (Southern exit, Eje 1 Norte Fuerza Aérea Mexicana, Colonia Federal), then walk northwest about 340 m and you’ll find the cafe (its located upstairs). By car: From T1, head northeast on Sonora/Cap. Carlos León toward Terminal 2/Viaducto/Zaragoza. Then, take a sharp left toward Puerto Mexico; continue on Puerto México for about 500 meters and follow the signs for Viaducto/Fray Servando. Keep left at the fork and follow signs for Puebla/Terminal 2/Norte 17. Merge onto Blvd. Puerto Aéreo and, at the roundabout, take the 3rd exit to stay on Puerto Aéreo; then, exit the roundabout onto Puerto Aéreo. Finally, use the left line to turn right onto Jardín street, then turn right onto Calle 28 and you’ll find the cafe at the right corner. Park always in Calle 28. |
| WHAT | All line up and wait movements when runways 05’s are active. Keep in mind that runway 05L is mostly used for landings, while 05R is used for outbound traffic (very few planes land on 05R, but when they do, you’ll have a view like if you’re at spot #4). From here, aircrafts taxing via A, A1 and B taxiways are visible too. For approaching traffic on 05L (afternoons), you’ll have a view similar to the one from spot #3. In the afternoon, you’ll get belly shots when airplanes take off from runway 23L. |
| TIME | Mostly good year round for airplanes taxing on B1 taxiway and lining up with runway 05L. Heat haze from 11 am to 2 pm for those planes using A and A1 taxiways and lining up with runway 05R. Good in the afternoons (until sunset) when planes depart from runway 23L. For approaching traffic on runway 05, summer light will be amazing from 4 pm until sunset; spring and fall from 3 pm, dealing with tail light (just like spot #3). Backlight all winter and all mornings year round. For those planes landing on runway 05L, conditions of spot #5 are similar. |
| MISC. | Food, Restrooms and WiFi are available. If you need to charge your phone or batteries, you can do it in the restaurant area. Although it’s a closed site, don’t let your camera and belongings unattended. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A 55-300mm zoom lens will work for all possible angles. |
Any spotters at GDL?
AlanSpotter in Jetphotos
Just back from Mex. Agree that the Skyline Cafe and La Casa de la Aviacion are great spots.. you can get there by uber or local taxi.
Stayed in the Camino Real Hotel with good views (through tinted glass).
I have been around MEX recently. If you are a solo spotter the best option is either to go to spot 11 the Skyline Coffe (You are obliged to pay a fee of about 5 USD whhich can be converted into a voucher to order food/ drinks. A very decent location with some local enthusiasts.) or you just go to the restaurant located at the 8th floor in the Camino Real Hotel at Spot 1 and ask if you could do some pics from there. Should be no problem.
Thank you somuch for the information..
Excellent details . I would appreciate a contact name/names that I can discuss some assistance when I visit in April 2017 . Many thanks
Roger
Hi Roger, drop me an email to prestwickpioneer@gmail.com I have spotted at MEX before and will be back in two weeks. I’m not a reggie collector but I am a photographer. I’ve only used la Casa, Hangares and McBridge so far. We are doing Toluca and Santa Lucia this visit so time at MEX will be more limited than before.
This is amazing; the amount of detail this has is astonishing. Very useful and wish to use it soon!