MIA-Spot1
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January 10, 2013Miami Intl. Airport Spotting Guide
- last modified on April 20, 2023
Miami International Airport Florida, the US-gateway to South America, handled 46 Mio. passengers in 2019. You get a great variety of international carriers, mainly from Europe and South/Central America as well as a many different cargo operators. American Airlines has a big hub here and is responsible for most traffic. If you want to escape the cold European winter, Miami offers everything you will need. Sun, ocean, planes…. and the girls at Miami Beach.
Almost all know operators from South and Middle America serving Miami from their hubs. LATAM Group, Avianca, COPA, Aerolíneas Argentinas or Aeroméxico as well as operators from the Caribbean Sea like Aruba Air, Bahamas Air, Caribbean Airlines just to mention a few.
Furthermore MIA is the twelth biggest cargo airport of the world with plenty of operators from all over the world, flying in and out of Miami. In addition to the cargo airlines from Latin America there are Amerijet Initernation, IBC Airways, UPS and FedEx using Miami frequently.
Not all flights, especially charters, are shown on the usual flight tracking apps. We recommend to check the official airport website.
Written by Jan Seba, Jeremy Denton, Julian Mittnacht & Zoltan Péter Pasztor. Last Update: April 2023 (Spot 1 updated)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 08L/26R (north side) | 2.621 m (8.600 ft) |
| 08R/26L (north side) | 3.202 m (10.506 ft) |
| 9/27 (south side) | 3.962 m (13.000 ft) |
| 12/30 (crosswind) | 2.851 m (9.354 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| North Terminal (Blue) | exclusive for American Airlines/Eagle and British Airways |
| Central Terminal (yellow) | United, Oneworld, partly Star Alliance |
| South Terminal (red) | Delta, SkyTeam, partly Star Alliance |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not required but sometimes useful if the alternatives are already taken. Also recommended if you want to try some pictures at the maintenance area. You can buy it at “The Home Depot”, 3x of them are at 5 to 10 minutes drive from the airport. Ladders can be borrowed from Atlantic Models, about 15-20mins from MIA Ask for Carol, Roger, Lee or Betsy. Atlantic Models, 10631 NW 123rd Street, Medley FL 33178. The ladders you borrow are free of charge but as a thank you by something at the store or spend some treats (biscuits, donuts, sweets etc) for the staff. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is recommend. No infos about public transport around the airport. Only spot 7 is in walking distance from the Miami Airport train station. |
| Restrooms | Tagged on the map, next to spot #3 or petrol station but you have to ask for the keys. |
| Drinks/Food | Tagged on the map, next to spot #3 or petrol station but you have to ask for the keys. |
| Hotels | There are cheap hotels all around the airport. |
| Season | Try to avoid the summer months. You will be confronted with heavy rain showers and high temperatures. Best conditions for spotting are in the winter from December till March with less rain and perfect position of the sun. All our spots are winter positions too! |
| Security | Spotting at Miami is tolerated by the airport authorities for the moment. However, spotting trough or having the ladder close to the fences is not permitted, it’s at your own risk. Only at the spot 1 is tolerated. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 08L/26R | Used for departures and arrivals in both directions (08 is more in use than 26). Preferred runway for Centurion Cargo, Amerijet, UPS, FedEx, IBC as their facilities located at the north of the airport. |
| 08R/26L | Used for departures and arrivals in both directions (08 is more in use than 26). Preferred runway for Centurion Cargo, Amerijet, UPS, FedEx as their facilities located at the north of the airport. |
| 09/27 | Used for departures and arrivals in both directions, mainly by South American carriers and cargo airlines based in the southern cargo terminal (e.g. Atlas Air, Avianca, LATAM, China Airlines) (09 is more in use than 27) |
| 12/30 | Used for departures and arrivals in both directions. RWY 30 is preferred landing direction for flights from South America and Amerijet. RWY 12 in use parallel to RWY 08 and 09. RWY 30 in use parallel to RWY 26 and 27. |
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The Holes - 12 departures and arrivals and 08R/08L arrivals &and departures
| WHERE | This is the only official spotting location in Miami which is located near the cargo area. When you drive northwards on the 826N/Palmetto Expy, take the exit NW 25 St. Turn right into the NW 25 St and drive eastwards. Towards 500 meters you will see the perimeter fence and some holes in it on the left. This is the spot to be. Park your car where we mention it in the guide.
UPDATE APRIL 2023: The holes are now just to the SE of the Customs Building on NW 25th St. There are 5 holes installed but now set quite high in the fence and one step can be helpful. Park in the drive leading to the Customs Building. This is the road shown on the left of the photo showing. Although not officially allowed, parking is tolerated. Nobody bothered me on the 3 days I was there. |
| WHAT | As the name says, there are some big holes (5x big ones + 3 small ones) plus some in the airport perimeter fence. You get all 08 & 12 action at this spot. The planes are pretty close when 12 is in use for landings and its a little bit tricky to catch them threw the hole. Departures are much easier and you can make great close up shots!
If all the holes are already taken, we recommend you to buy a ladder at “The Home Depot” (3x are located at 5 to 10 minutes from the airport) and stand back in the grass as the overview picture is displayed. See description above |
| TIME | For RWY08 its almost an all day spot. Only in the summer you get backlit in the late afternoon. RWY12 starts to become interesting from the late morning hours before it’s backlight. |
| MISC. | There are no facilities at this location and no shadow. Trees are quite useful as they afford some shade. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 08L : B763 = 220mm / B752 = 270mm / Convair = 400mm 08R : B748 = 100mm / B763 = 135mm / B738 = 200mm 12 : A359 = 45mm / B738 = 80mm / E145 = 105mm |
Photo taken January 2022
Cargo Parking Garage - apron, taxiway, 09 arrivals/departures
| WHERE | This spot isn’t official as its on the roof parking of some cargo companies. Its just a puddle jump from spot #1. Drive back the NW 25 St and take the second left into the NW 67th Ave. Follow the road until you reach the intersection to NW 22 St. Cross the road and drive up a ramp that leads to the visitor parking on top of the cargo buildings. Please keep in mind that this is private property and you should be careful in what you are doing, cameras are present! |
| WHAT | This is only good to overlook the western cargo ramp and make pictures from the parked aircraft. Atlas, Avianca/Tampa Cargo, Cargolux, Estafeta, Kalitta, Martinair and TAB are some of the operators there. 09 arrivals/departures are possible too, but you will face the sun. |
| TIME | For ramp all day and night shots are possible. 09 arrivals/departures are possible too, but you will face the sun except the late summer evenings. |
| MISC. | We recommend you to stay in the car and get out only for the pictures. Keep a low profile. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18 to 50mm |
El Dorado - 09 arrivals and departures
| WHERE | The best spot for all the 09 action is the ‘El Dorado’ , named after the furniture store next to it. When you start at the hole, drive back the NW 25 St until you will cross the NW 72nd Ave. Turn left and follow the road for 2 km. You will pass the threshold of 09 on your left and come to the next intersection. Here you turn left into the NW 12th St and again take the next left into the NW 72nd Ave (you see the furniture store at the intersection). Just follow the road until you reach some railroads. Park your car at the end of the road. |
| WHAT | Once arrived, you have a great overlook of the threshold of 09. You get all 09 arrivals and departures from this spot. All arrivals from South America will use 09, as they are closer to their terminal. Cargo flights use it too, for arrivals and departures, as parts of the cargo area almost next to 09 (Avianca, Atlas, LATAM, etc.). The perimeter fence is disturbing if you want to make departure shots. There is a rock where you can climb up as well as a small fence that can be seen on the below picture. However, we recommend you to buy a ladder if there are too many spotters. |
| TIME | The spot is okay for most time of the day. Only in the summer you get backlit in the late afternoon. |
| MISC. | A gas station and 7 Eleven is just across the intersection (tagged on the map). Ladder might be useful in order to totally avoid the fence on departure shots. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A388 = 50mm / B738 = 105mm / E190 = 120mm |
Employees Parking - 08 L/R and 12 arrivals
| WHERE | When you drive northwards on the 826N/Palmetto Expy, take the exit NW 25 St. Turn right into the NW 25 St and drive eastwards direction spot 1, the Holes however, just before you have an access to your right which will take you on a roof top car park. |
| WHAT | This is an alternative of spot 1. You get all 08 & 12 action at this spot. The planes are pretty close. Shooting widebody arrivals on 12 is next to impossible anyway because of the palms grown already too high and the gap between them too small. |
| TIME | For RWY08 its almost an all day spot. Only in the summer you get backlit in the late afternoon. RWY12 starts to become interesting from the late morning hours before it’s backlight. |
| MISC. | Please keep in mind that this is private property and you should be careful in what you are doing, cameras are present! Don’t wonder if security tells you to leave the place.We recommend you to stay in the car and get out only for the pictures. Keep a low profile. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm for all aircraft except B747/A346 and bigger. |
The Lagoon - 27 and 30 arrivals
| WHERE |
From the gas station at spot 6 just drive down NW 47th Ave all the way to the end. Park your car in the in the cul-de-sac. It can get crowded as locals often come here to meet up and hang out. |
| WHAT | Runway 27 and runway 30 arrivals. |
| TIME | Rwy 27: all day during winter Rwy 30: late morning until sunset during winter |
| MISC. | Heat haze possible (Rwy 27 arrivals). Be aware of the local wildlife (iguanas, alligators). Restroom, drinks and snacks can be found at the gas station at spot 6. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Rwy 27: A346 = 180mm / MD11 = 200mm / B762 = 250mm Rwy 30: 744 = 50mm / 734 = 120mm |
Arrivals Rwy 27
Arrivals Rwy 30
Exxon Petrol Station or Hyperbaric Therapy/Dentist - 30 arrivals
| WHERE |
6A) From the Hilton, exit the Blue Lagoon Dr take on the left on NW 57th Avenue until the lights where you have to take on the left on NW 7th Street. Drive a few minutes on this road until you reached the Exxon petrol station on the left side. Make the left turn and the spot is located on the back side. This spot can be tricky as you see the plane arriving on the right side then it’s hid behind the building and appears between the right and left yellow building (this is your gap).
6B) Alternative spot of the Petrol Station is on the opposite of the street after the lights, Hyperbaric Therapy/Dentist car park (8 places in total). |
| WHAT | You will get only arrivals on rwy 30. |
| TIME | Good from 10:30 in winter. |
| MISC. | You might be ask to leave at the Hyperbaric Therapy/Dentist car park. However, was not our case during the two days spent there. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 6A : B752 = 200mm / A320 = 220mm /E175 = 250mm 6B : B763 = 170mm / B738 = 240mm / E175 = 290mm |
Spot 6A
Spot 6B
Alfa Garage & Holiday Inn Express- 26 L/R arrivals
| WHERE |
It’s best to use a GPS to get to this location, just punch in “Alfa Garage”. If no GPS is available, then follow the signs towards the Rental Car Center. If coming down Le Jeune Rd / NW 42nd Ave from north of the spot turn onto NW 28th St (last intersection before Rental Car Center entrance) and then go around the block to NW 27th St (Alfa Garage). If coming up Le Jeune Rd / NW 42nd Ave from south of the spot make sure to go past the entrance of the Rental Car Center and turn right onto NW 26th St (next after Rental Car Center). The Holiday Inn Express is right at the corner, or alternatively go around the block to NW 27th St (Alfa Garage). On both, 26th and 27th St, parking options are very limited. |
| WHAT | Alfa Garage: arrivals runways 26R/L Holiday Inn Express: arrivals runway 26LThe parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express offers a slightly better angle for 26L arrivals than the Alfa Garage and parking is less of an issue than on NW 27th St, but the “shooting window” is very small and there will be tree tops leaping into the frame (see sample images). Also, 26R arrivals cannot be seen from there. |
| TIME | All day during winter time. |
| MISC. | Restrooms, drinks and snacks available at the gas stations along Le Jeune Rd (in walking distance). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 26L (Alfa Garage): MD11 = 70mm 26R : B738 = 240mm / E175 = 310mm 26L (Holiday Inn Express): A351 = 70mm |
Rwy 26L Alfa Garage
Rwy 26R Alfa Garage
Rwy 26L Holiday Inn Express
Oracle - 27 departures
| WHERE |
From the Hilton Hotel, follow the Blue Lagoon road direction West until the end. Enter in the public car park and find a place as far as possible towards the runway. |
| WHAT | Only departures runway 27. |
| TIME | All day in winter time. |
| MISC. | You might be ask to leave by the private security. Stay in the car and keep a low profile. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | B748 = 80mm / B789 = 100mm / B738 = 130mm |
Storage Yard (PRIVATE PROPERTY) - 08 L/R arrivals
| WHERE |
From spot 1, drive back, passed the second lights and then turn right on a small dirty road and enter in this private property by turning on the left side. |
| WHAT | Only arrivals 08R/L. |
| TIME | All day in winter time. |
| MISC. | We recommend you to stay in the car and get out only for the pictures. Keep a low profile as it’s a PRIVATE PROPERTY. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 08L : DC10 150mm / Convair = 250mm / GLF6 = 270mm 08R : Rarely used. Mainly for 744/748 parked at the north apron or 380 if rwy 9 too busy. 12 : B763 = 95mm / B738 = 120mm / E170 = 170mm |
Rwy 08L :
Rwy 08R : No pictures as the runway is rarely used for arrivals but possible from this spot.
Rwy 12 :
The Dolphin parking - 08R departures
| WHERE |
Drives towards at MIA Airport and follow The Dolphin Parking signs, it is the central parking on the roof top car park. |
| WHAT | 08R departures only. |
| TIME | All day in winter time. |
| MISC. | We recommend you to stay in the car and get out only for the pictures. Keep a low profile. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-500mm |
Cell Phone parking lot - 26L/R arrivals
| WHERE |
The Cell Phone Waiting Lot is located between the airport entrance road and Le June road. Parking is available on the spot. It is accessible on foot via public transport (busses 37, 42, and 110), however, there is no crosswalk on Le June, therefore, a car is recommended. |
| WHAT | This spot allows for great views of aircraft landing on runways 26L & 26R, as well as aircraft departing from 8R & 8L.Arrivals onto runway 27 are visible but too far. In addition, the American Airlines stands, and North cargo ramps visible from this spot but fence is blocking the sight. |
| TIME | Only usable in the long summer evenings for 1-1,5 hours. Backlit rest of the year. |
| MISC. | Restrooms and food are available at a gas station on Le June road 400 yards away from the location. There is a notable presence of aviation authorities and police, as there is a restricted area North of the lot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 35-100mm (departures & arrivals), 70-200mm (ground action), and 200-400mm (runway 27). |
Hilton Hotel - RWY 30&27 arrivals, 12&27 departures
| WHERE |
The upper floor rooms of Miami Airport Hilton hotel commands fantastic views over runway 30 arrivals and runway 27 departures and aircraft taxiing for departure. Ask for a room at the north-eastern corner of the hotel. The hotels staff is aware of spotting/photography is done from their hotel and it is tolerated!
UPDATE DECEMBER 2022: From our latest infos the screens at the balconies are installed at all rooms to protect the guest from the “Lagoon Flies”. Sometimes they are damaged and were removed so the best way is to ask at the check-in for a room without a screen in the case there is one! Actually the only alternative is to use the (dirty) windows at the end of each floor or the staircase. |
| WHAT | Great for runway 30 arrivals, 12 departures and runway 27 arrivals/departures and taxi shots (see American and Cathay photo). You can also get good quality overall views of the stands where some of the South American carriers like Avianca and TACA are parked.
You can also shot from the hotel garden/lagoon RWY 30 arrivals (see Southwest 737 below). 27 arrivals are possible too but the planes are already very low and there are many disturbing objects. |
| TIME | Light is good for most of the day for 27. Only in the summer you get backlit in the late afternoon. 12/30 starts from noon till sunset to be okay. |
| MISC. | Facilities in the hotel. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From the pool deck: MAX 8 = 220mm (30 arrivals); 747 = 185mm (27 arrival) From the floor windows: 748 (27 arrival) = 135mm; American A319 (27 departure) = 285 |
View from the hotel room/balcony and floor windows
View from outside to the north/eastern corner where you can see the rooms with balcony
View from the hotel garden/pool where you have a view over the lagoon.
NW 45th Ave - 27 and 30 arrivals
| WHERE |
The spot is located at the entrance to a somewhat abandoned parking lot – during our 3-day stay there were a handful cars parked in the lot, but the lot itself was locked up and at no time anyone attempted to enter or exit the lot – and it is an alternative location to spot 5. Technically parking is not permitted in the driveway, but just stay next to your car while shooting or even in your car between shots. During our stay police passed by multiple times, but never seemed to be bothered by our presence. |
| WHAT | Runway 27 and runway 30 arrivals. |
| TIME | Rwy27: all day during winter. Rwy30: in summer from sunrise to noon, in winter only when overcast (see sample pictures, taken in January) |
| MISC. | No restrooms, no food, no drinks, bring what you need. Risk of heat haze is much less than at spot 5. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Rwy 27: A339 = 70mm / 738M = 110mm Rwy 30: A320 = 140mm |
Arrivals Rwy 27
Arrivals Rwy 30
Unofficial Spotting Locations - Around the MIA Airport
| WHERE |
Located in the north side of the airport, near the business jets apron, IBC Apron & the maintenance facilities. |
| WHAT | Aircraft parked for maintenance or rest. Some can be easily taken some require to be smart. |
| TIME | Early morning or late afternoon. |
| MISC. | These pictures have been taken in various locations where you are allowed to be and see them. However, it is strictly not allowed to take pictures through the fences or having a ladder near by. Spotterguide is not responsible for any issues that you might have with the airport security, it is at your own risks. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18mm to 200mm |
The spotting holes on the fence are now covered, I’ve seen mostly all of them closed now as I work inside of the airport.
This doesn’t sound good they only just moved them. I was at the holes in January February
Victor the holes are not covered please before posting get your facts right next time
I visited spot 1 (The Holes) in mid March 2023. These are now just to the SE of the Customs Building on NW 25th St. I initially parked by the palm trees on NW 65th Ave (where I was told to park 3 years ago) but a very helpful (makes a change) airport employee that this was no longer allowed. He told me to park in the drive leading to the Customs Building. This is the road shown on the left of the photo showing The Holes. Although not officially allowed, parking is tolerated. Nobody bothered me on the 3 days I was there. The (5) Holes are now set quite high in the fence and only the one on the extreme right was really suitable for me. The four trees are quite useful as they afford some shade.
Thank you very much for the Updates. I have changed the description of the guide.
-Julian
I’ve not had any problems at el Dorado. Not terribly salubrious with a lot of broken glass and other debris. But no problem parking and plenty of people around and some shade. Major problem was getting around freight trains parked blocking good views of 09.
Is spot 3 relatively safe for a solo female spotter? I was thinking of flying down for the day and getting a rental car.
spot 3 is very safe
Yea but I’m always on runway nine and usually the guys are too shy to talk but you should be good anywhere taking pictures
Last two times I was at Miami area I was told about ladders spotters can borrow from Atlantic Models, about 15-20mins from MIA, we were taken on a tour of the impressive factory with all kinds of aircraft models and projects going on. we borrowed 2 ladders in 2022 & 4 ladders in 2023 due to friends joining for FLAP 2023.
Ask for Carol, Roger, Lee or Betsy
Atlantic Models
10631 NW 123rd Street
Medley FL
33178
they’re two stores in the area but not sure if ladders are at other location
the ladders you borrow are free of charge but as a thank you we always brought treats (biscuits, donuts, sweets etc) for the staff
Good to know that. Thanks for the hint, I have left a note in the guide.
-Julian
A spot some people might want to go is the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant on NW 12th and Red Road adjacent to the Dolphin Expressway. You get a view of aircrafts (unless if a train is passing by) landing, taking off, and taxiing next to runway 09 and 27. You can also see some planes landing and taking off on runway 30 and 12 and you get to see some planes taxiing from landing at 8L/R and 26L/R. It’s a great place overall and if you eat at the restaurant, you can hear ATC and if you don’t want to eat there (since it is expensive) you can also just grab a chair and watch at the parking lot next to the runway.
Hey Mateo ? Can we meet for my project? See post underneath. 😄
Hi Mateo, I have been to this place too but its is not really an option for photography, just watching the traffic. 12/30 is too far and photos getting hazy. Sight of planes on the ground is limited due to the fence.
So as said, nice place to sit down and watch the traffic but thats it.
-Julian
Hi all, I’m a Belgian photographer doing a project about plane spotters. I’m currently in the US and I was wondering if there are any plane spotters in Miami I could meet beginning of February ?
Position 1 The Holes is great again. Construction completed and no obstacles there anymore. Perfect spot
Good to know! Thanks Jürgen for the feedback
What is the current position with The Holes and is the Employee Parking Garage a viable alternative?
I was told to leave the employee parking deck next to the holes just after a few minutes in mid January 2023 by a security officer. Shooting widebody arrivals on 12 is next to impossible anyway because of the palms grown already too high and the gap between them too small.
Thanks for the advise Martin, I have changed the description.
-Julian
I believe Spot 1 is gone now due to the construction of the new taxiway. Went in March, the lot is gone and the area looks different.