Sarasota-Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ/KSRQ), locally marketed and commonly known as SRQ Airport, is situated between the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton. It is the gateway to the “Cultural Coast” – a coastal strip on Florida’s Gulf coast, which stretches from Bradenton on the northern end to Venice in the South. In 2019, the airport saw close to two million passengers and around 132,000 aircraft movements, of which more than 75% were contributed by General Aviation.

The airport is being served by all US legacy carriers (Delta, American, United) including their regional subsidiaries (Delta Connection, American Eagle, United Express), as well as Allegiant, JetBlue, Southwest and Frontier. The top dogs are Delta Air Lines and Allegiant Air with a combined market share of slightly over 50%. Sun Country Airlines and Air Canada Rouge offer seasonal flights from Minneapolis and Toronto respectively, the latter also being the only international route. As indicated above, most traffic is being generated by general aviation, hence spotters will find a great variety of private and biz jets at SRQ.

Written by Thomas Okaty. Last Update: March 2021

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Airline Variety
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Airport Information
Runways
04/22	1.527 m (5,009 ft) Asphalt
14/32	2.896 m (9,500 ft) Asphalt
Terminals	There is one civil passenger terminal serving all flights.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Useful at spots #3 and 4#, but not necessarily needed and definitely not recommended.
Car/Public Transport	Spots #1 and #2 are within walking distance from the terminal. A car or bike is needed to get to spots #3 and 4#.
Drinks/Food	Not much inside the terminal. There are some fast food places and restaurants along N Tamiami Trail (US Hwy 41) west and south of the airport.
Hotels	Several options available south of the airport on University Pkwy and along N Tamiami Trail (US Hwy 41).
Season	Best is from late fall through early spring as this is the high season for travel to/from the region and due to heat haze during the summer months. From May through October the volume of traffic goes down and the chance of thunderstorms and hurricanes increases significantly.
Security	During our last visit we did not encounter any problems. As always, in case of being approached by police or airport security, stay calm, be cooperative, be nice.
Runway Usage
04/22	Mainly used by general aviation traffic.
14/32	Main runway, which is being used by all commercial traffic and also most of the general aviation traffic.

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	Spot #1 – Official Viewing Area – Rwy 14/32 movements & ramp east of concourse
WHERE	This is the official viewing area at SRQ airport just outside the eastern end of the terminal. It’s a nice shaded and elevated area with a few benches and a great view of the ramp. It is accessible by foot from Airport Circle (terminal access road) as well as Air Cargo Avenue. If arriving by car, then the short-term parking lot is just across the terminal road (Airport Circle). For parking fees, please check the airport’s website.
WHAT	Departures and arrivals on rwy 32. Departures on 14 in climb, arrivals on 14 when they vacate the runway past the crossing of rwy 04/22. All traffic on the ramp east of the terminal concourse.
TIME	From early afternoon (rwy 14 arrivals from around noon in winter when the vacate the runway) until sunset.
MISC.	Some snacks and drinks as well as restrooms can be found inside the terminal.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-400mm A320 on taxiway: 150mm A320 departing/landing on rwy 32: 200mm

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	Spot #2 – University Pkwy/Desoto Rd – Rwy 32 arrivals
WHERE	This spot is located at the corner of University Pkwy and Desoto Rd. As there is no public parking available at this location it is recommended to leave the car in one of the lots at the terminal. It’s a 15-20 minute walk from there. The view is partially obstructed by some trees (check out sample shots).
WHAT	Arrivals on rwy 32.
TIME	From early afternoon until sunset.
MISC.	Nothing nearby, bring what you need. No parking, no restrooms, no shade. It is recommended to keep some distance to the road to avoid distracting drivers.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-200mm A320: 120mm

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	Spot #3 – Restaurant N Tamiami Trail – Rwy 32 departures
WHERE	This spot is behind a restaurant (currently a Japanese Steakhouse) located on North Tamiami Trail. Coming from the rental car lot, proceed to the airport exit and turn right onto University Pkwy. Then turn right again at the next light onto N Tamiami Trail. Follow along this road for about 1.5 miles until the restaurant, which is located between Hernando Ave and Suwanee Ave, is coming up on your right. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant, but keep in mind that this is a private property! The property is adjacent to the airport fence, just walk across the grass area towards the fence until the power lines are cleared from your view (see overview photo). It is not recommended to go all the way to the fence, but to maintain some distance.
WHAT	Departures on rwy 32 in climb. Smaller or light loaded aircraft could already be too high for a decent shot.
TIME	From mid afternoon until sunset.
MISC.	There are a handful of fast food places nearby. It is recommended to keep some distance from the fence.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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	Spot #4 – Abandoned Building N Tamiami Trail – Rwy 14 arrivals, departures and line-up
WHERE	This spot is just a little bit farther down the road from spot #3, between Somerset Ave and Bernard Ave. It is located behind an abandoned, pink colored building and just before the noise barrier, which starts here and expands north along N Tamiami Trail. There’s a curb block right at the fence (see overview photos), which you can stand on, but it’s barely high enough, you need to be at least 6’2″/190cm tall to be able to shoot over the barbwire at the top the fence. Hence, a ladder could be useful at this location, but it is not recommended. Instead consider renting a pick-up truck – the elevated bed of the truck will make an excellent spotting platform as it will be high enough to easily shoot over the fence. It is recommended though to park in some distance from the fence to avoid attracting any unnecessary attention. Although the building appears to be abandoned, please still keep in mind, that this is a private property!
WHAT	Rwy 14 Departures and line-up as well as arrivals.
TIME	From early afternoon until sunset.
MISC.	There are a handful of fast food places nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-200mm (taxiway <50mm for 90 degree side shot) A320 landing/departing: 100mm

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