Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF/KBUF) is an intermediate size regional airport serving New York State’s second largest metropolitan area. First opened in 1926, it is the third busiest in New York State, and one of the oldest public airports in the United States. The airport’s development benefited from the dominant influence central and western New York had in the early era of aviation. During WWI and WWII, the airport was the location of the Curtiss aeroplane factory which produced thousands of fighters and bombers for the Allied air forces. In 1997, a new terminal complex was developed and opened. Currently the airport provides commuter service to northeastern and southeastern US cities via Southwest, American, Delta, Frontier, Jet Blue and United airlines. There is also cargo traffic with regular service from UPS and Fedex as well as a number of charter and private aviation movements.

Written by Chris Simpson and Noah. Last change: October 2024 (Spot 5 removed)

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
05/23	Asphalt: 8829ft / 2691m
14/32	Asphalt: 7161ft / 2183m
Terminals
PAX Terminal	In the southeast the only normal passenger terminal serving all carriers and destinations.
Cargo Terminal	In the west serving UPS, FedEx and co…
Airport Chart
Spotting Information
Ladder	Do not use a ladder in any area adjacent to the airport perimeter.
Car/Public Transport	Public transit access is limited to the terminal side of the airport via NFTA bus, otherwise a car is required.
Restrooms	Various hotels and restaurants are located on Genessee St. which offer restroom access.
Drinks/Food	Various hotels and restaurants are located on Genessee St.
Hotels	Various hotels are located on Genessee St.
Season	Buffalo is well known for dramatic snow events in winter months, visitors in the winter should be prepared for Arctic type conditions.
Security	Keep a low profile while spotting in order to avoid any inconviniences. That’s why don’t show off your equipment if you very close to the fence al the time to avoid strange/suspicious looks. Always carry an ID with you as police can come by and check you. We already received one report that a visitor here was checked by the security services at the Mercy flight location.
Runway Usage
General Info	The primary commercial runway is 05/23, most traffic arrives and departs on runway 23 due to the prevailling westerly winds.
05/23	The primary runway used in both directions.
14/32	The secondary runway used in both directions, primarily by smaller aircraft.

	Spot #1 – Holtz Dr/Genessee Street – 32 arrivals and line-up
WHERE	The location is on the sidewalks along Holtz Drive and Genessee Street. It is just a short drive from the airport terminal and easily to reach by foot. If coming by car park in the nearby gas station or hotel.
WHAT	Good view for aircraft arriving and lining up on runway 32. For latter you have to shot through the airport fence on the opposite side of the gas station.
TIME	Available for the whole day when 32 is active. Just position yourself on the accordingly sidewalk.
MISC.	Fast food, gas station and hotels are just around the corner.
FOCAL LENGTH	A220 line-up = 200mm; A320 arrival = 80mm

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	Spot #2 – Genessee Street – 05 Departures and Arrivals
WHERE	A paved sidewalk runs along the perimeter fence along the SW corner of the field. This spot has a bus stop, and is close to a number of parking lots for occupied and vacant businesses. Just search your favourite position along the fence or the sidewalk and shot thru or next to it – on the weekend, there is a parking lot just across the street which would allow the use of a ladder, the issue would be drawing attention from the business owners when the lot is full of employees cars. Update May 2026: Due to a higher fence line up is no longer possible ony arrivals.
WHAT	This spot affords a clear view of arriving aircraft to 05, and views of taxiing departing aircraft.
TIME	Sunrise till late midday/early afternoon.
MISC.	This spot is a public thoroughfare and thus can be accessed at anytime. It is completely exposed to the weather. There are hotels and restaurants only a few hundred meters away, as well as the terminal complex. Ladder not really needed as one can shoot through gaps in the wooden slats of the fence – at least departures/line-ups.
FOCAL LENGTH	30-300mm needed

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	Spot #3 – Parking Lot – 14 arrivals and 32 departures
WHERE	From the terminal drive westwards on Genessee Street and take the next right after the 05 threshold into Cayuga Rd. Drive all the way up north until some kind of business complex to the right side with a huge parking lot. Find your preferred position on the lot.
WHAT	Good view for arriving aircraft on runway 14 or departing runway 32. The fence has green paneling and the runway itself can’t be seen.
TIME	From noon until sunset all year round.
MISC.	There are some fast food restaurants at the next junction.
FOCAL LENGTH	717 departure = 120mm; C-17 = 70mm

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	Spot #4 – Business Complex – 23 arrivals
WHERE	There is some kind of business complex, north of the airpot at Lawrence Bell Dr. The areal offers a huge parking lot from where you can photograph the approach for 23.
WHAT	Good for arriving aircraft on runway 23 only.
TIME	Ideal in the afternoon/evening hours.
MISC.	Nothing nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	B38M=130mm; E170=180mm

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	Spot #5 – Mercy Flight – 23 Departures and Arrivals Taxiway A
WHERE	This location has been reopened in September 2023: The spot is a picnic area next to an old restaurant that now belongs to Mercy Flight Air Ambulance, and its a known place for local aviation enthusiasts. It IS located on airport property and is therefore monitored by airport security. You park in a large lot below the building (choose a spot away from the air ambulance facility) then climb a small hill via a sidewalk or the grass. There is a nice and clear view over the airport fence. If coming by car you can park directly at the location and if you stay in one of the airport hotels you can even walk to this spot (15 minutes walk). Update October 2024: once again this spot officially closed and a fence has been installed. “No Public Access” sign is also up
WHAT	This spot allows a full view of runway 05/23. Becasue of the prevailling west winds, most traffic appoaches from the east and touches down just to the right of this spot. Departing aircraft rotate V1 about level with the spot. Departing traffic also taxi past on the fence side of the runway offering close-up opportunities. The taxiway is roughly 50 meters from the spot.
TIME	From sunrise till afternoon for 05/23. Runway 14/32 from sunrise till noon only. This is a daylight spot only, visiting in the dark would most certainly attract security and risk detention. In December, January and February the sun sets almost in line with the runway making afternoon shots to the west challenging and not useable properly in winter!
MISC.	Do not cause any issues on their property. Anyone doing that will be tossed, and if they return, they’ll be taken care of by NFTA PD.  There are no restrooms or food or drink vendors close to this spot. It is quite exposed in winter and can be very cold. There is cover to hide from wind and rain, but it is necessary to move into the exposed area to take pictures. No ladder needed as one can climb the small hills around here.
FOCAL LENGTH	Taxiway = 50-70mm / Runway = 100-300mm