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January 10, 2013Miami Intl. Airport Spotting Guide
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- last modified on June 17, 2021
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.
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.
Written by Jan Seba, Jeremy Denton, Julian Mittnacht & Zoltan Péter Pasztor / Last Update July 2021
| 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. |
| 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! |
| Runway Usage | |
| 08L/26R | Used for departures and arrivals in both directions (08 is more in use than 26). Prefered runway for Centurion Cargo, Atlas Air, 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). Prefered runway for Centurion Cargo, Atlas Air, 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, Avianca, LAN Cargo, China Airlines, Amerijet) (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 JULY 2021: At the moment the holes are not available because of ongoing construction work. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 08L : B763 = 220mm / B752 = 270mm / Convair = 400mm 08R : B748 = 100mm / B763 = 135mm / B738 = 200mm 12 : A359 = 45mm / B738 = 80mm / E145 = 105mm |
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. 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 an alternative of spot 1. You get all 08 & 12 action at this spot. The planes are pretty close. |
| 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. | 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 spot 6A, exit the petrol station and drive down the road on the left until you reach the end. Park your car on the side of the road. During weekend no much cars but during the week it’s pretty busy. |
| WHAT | You will get only arrivals on rwy 27 and rwy 30 are possible too but they are a bit high. |
| TIME | All day during winter. |
| MISC. | The petrol station is next to this spot. Be aware that heat haze can be a problem during the day. Morning until 10:00 should be ok and end afternoon as well from 16:00. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A346 = 180mm / MD11 = 200mm / B762 = 250mm |
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 - 26 L/R arrivals
| WHERE |
From spot 6, continue back on NW 7th street direction East until the crossroads. Then turn left and drive on NW 42nd Avenue until you merge with 953 Le Jeune Rd. Once you are on the Le Jeune Rd take the third way on the right on Nw 27th Street. For a couple of meters you will see the Alfa Garage on your right side. Please park the road on the left side of the road near the tree along the fence. |
| WHAT | Arrivals runways 26R/L. |
| TIME | All day during winter time. |
| MISC. | A petrol station is very close to the spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 27L : MD11 = 70mm 26R : B738 = 240mm / E175 = 310mm |
Rwy 26L
Rwy 26R
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.
UPDATE JULY 2021: We have noticed that the mosquito protection has been uninstalled from the rooms at the 7th floor and higher. LINK |
| WHAT | Great for runway 30 arrivals, 12 departures and runway 27 arrivals/departures and taxi shots. 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 but only RWY 30 arrivals (see DHL 757 below). |
| 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 | 250-400 mm are needed as the views are quite distant. Some cropping is required to get full frame shots of smaller aircraft. |
View from the hotel room/balcony
View from outside to the north/eastern corner where you can see the rooms with balcony
View from the hotel garden where you have a view over the lagoon.
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 |
34 Comments
Hi!
It’s good to note that it appears the netting on the Hilton balconies are being removed. I’ve seen recent pictures on the Scramble forum website from this location where it was stated that the nets have been removed from floor 7 and upwards!
Hi Anton, great news from Miami. I put the location back into the guide. Thanks for informing us.
-Julian
Update: I was at the Holes May 14, 2021. Security is rounding regularly and you cannot park anywhere on the road near the holes (I have a Chevy Colorado pick up and like to back up and sit on my tailgate), you have to park on the grass across NW 25 st and walk over to the Holes. This is fine if you do not mind being far from your car. I like to set up for a few hours with my binoculars, scanner, and phone for pics, but also have drinks in my car. It’s also nice to be close to your car to cool off in the A/C or have cover for a sudden afternoon storm. I ended up moving over to El Dorado where you can back right up to the tracks. El Dorado does get busy (even on a Friday afternoon) whereas the Holes is almost always dead.
I DON´T RECCOMMEND GOING TO SPOT #2 Cargo Buildings!
On February 7th I went to Miami for a quick spotting and decided to spot in other place instead of el dorado, because that day planes departed from East to West (27-09) and decided to spend at least 30 minutes until sunset in the cargo buildings, because it was an awesome location and you get closer to big cargo planes. Many MIA spotters told me that cargo buildings are good spots. Many spotters go there and they never had a problem with airport security. But when I arrived, everything was ok, there was only one plane in the Western Cargo buildings and took pictures without probems, but few minutes later an airport security car arrived and I was hidding in the car, but it was too late because I got caught, he told me that I should leave this place bc it was not allowed, only people who work at MIA or people who have a family member working there were the only group allowed there. And I was surprised, because I never heard that airport security catch spotters, and no one had problems before, but I was the only one who got into troubles.
He was a nice guy and he reccommended me go to the Holes, also it was my first time at the holes, as I did not have idea how to get there he toured me to the holes. But that day there was no movement in almost all the airport, unfortunately I was dissapointed in my last Miami trip. I could not spot almost anything.
This is just based in my experience, I have been there in Miami spotting many times and still love the airport. I hope to be back soon there!
¨He got me to the holes¨
Apologize for the mistake
Just visited MIA. 19-24 Feb.
1. ‘The Holes’ (spot #1). Still OK but it looks like incipient marked-out construction may block 3 of the 5 holes. Don’t park on NW25thSt. I wash asked to move (rather aggressively by security personnel). Park on the grassy area by the palm trees on the west of NW6thAve.
2. El Dorado (spot #3) fine. Walk east alongside the railway tracks to get a better view of aircraft in cargo area.
3. Told by someone staying at Hilton Blue Lagoon that the screens on the balconies had been removed (at least temporarily). A summer measure?