Syracuse Hancock Intl. Airport - Spotting Guide

Syracuse Hancock Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide

August 12, 2019 - last modified on December 5, 2023

Syracuse Hancock Intl airport is the main facility for the central New York region. Located in Mattydale, New York, Hancock airport is only 5 miles northeast of downtown Syracuse. In 2018, a total of 2,315,933 passengers passed through SYR.

Syracuse airport has been rapidly expanding within the past few years, resulting with New Airlines and destinations. SYR Is served by the three major US carriers: American, Delta, and United, as well as many other airlines like Allegiant, Jetblue, and Frontier. Syracuse is linked to most major hubs on the east coast. The destinations range as far south as Fort Lauderdale (FLL) on Allegiant and Jetblue, to as far west as Denver (DEN) on United and Frontier. The largest passenger aircraft that serves syracuse is the Airbus A321 from Frontier Airlines. United and American airlines also fly Boeing 737-800s to their hubs Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Charlotte (CLT) respectively.

UPS Cargo operates Boeing 757-200s and Airbus A300s to and from their hub in Louisville. FedEx operates Boeing 757-200s as well, to their hubs in Indianapolis and Memphis. Both airlines also fly short flights to nearby airports like Buffalo, Albany, or Manchester out of Syracuse. Wiggins airways operates Cessna 208s and Embraer 110s from Syracuse to Plattsburgh and Massena. Occasionally you can see C-130 turboprops, MQ-9 drones, or even KC-10 refuelers flying in or out of the air national guard base.

Due to it’s location, long runway, and ramp space, SYR is a prime location for diversions. It is not uncommon to see Boeing 757s or 767s diverted from EWR/JFK to Syracuse.

Written by Christopher Bell (local spotter), Jonathan Ryan (pictures for spot #6). Last update August 2019.

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
10/28	2.744m (9.003 ft)
15/33	2.286m (7.500 ft)
Terminals
South Terminal A	America, JetBlue, Allegiant, Frontier
North Terminal B	Delta, United
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not recommend at any spots
Car/Public Transport	A car is absolutely required. Public transport is not available.
Restrooms	There are restrooms in the terminal within walking distance of spots 1-4
Drinks/Food	Drinks and snacks can be purchased from vending machines or gift shops in the airport.
Hotels	There is a best western on airport property within walking distance of spots #1 and #2. There is also a shuttle to and from the hotel to the terminal where you can better access spots #3 and #4
Season	Spotting during early winter is not very appealing as it is typically overcast and sometimes rainy.
Runway Usage
10/28	The main runway for all operations. Whether they use the 10 or 28 depends on the winds.
15/33	Rarely used. Only used if winds are strong.

	Spot #1 – Spot #1 – South Cell Phone Lot
WHERE	When driving up to the airport, turn right at the first flight and follow the road (one way) while keeping out for a small parking lot, which will be on your left.

WHAT	From here, you can see runway 10/28 arrivals and departures, as well as aircraft taxiing to and from the gate..

TIME	Runway photos are possible in summer only in the morning and evening. Taxiway shot from afternoon till sunset.

MISC.	Never leave your car unattended while spotting here. There are picnic tables on the back side of the parking lot where you can sit and eat, or stand on the table if you require more elevation.

FOCAL LENGTH	200mm for a 737, 250mm for an E175.

	Spot #2 – Parking Garage Roof
WHERE	Follow the signs for terminal A parking, and drive up the ramps through the garage until you are on the roof.

WHAT	From here, you can see runway 10/28 arrivals and departures, as well as aircraft taxiing to and from the gate.

TIME	Runway photos are possible in summer only in the morning and evening. Taxiway shot from afternoon till sunset.

MISC.	This spot is essentially the same as the South Cell phone lot, except it has higher elevation, and you are allowed to leave your car here if you wish to go into the terminal to use the restroom or eat. You may be approached by security if you stay here for a long period of time. I’ve never had serious problems though.

FOCAL LENGTH	250mm for a 737, 300mm for an E175.

	Spot #3 – North Cell Phone Lot
WHERE	Drive all the way up and past the terminal, follow signs for rideshare parking, except do not enter the lot. You will usually drive past a few taxis on the side near the curb. After driving past those, you should see a small parking lot, a little smaller than the south cell phone lot.

WHAT	From here, you can see aircraft parked at concourse B, and aircraft pushing back. There is also a de-icing pad visible from this location, which is where diversions are usually parked.

TIME	Depends a bit on the angle but usually from afternoon till sunset.

MISC.	You will have to shoot through a fence. We strongly do not recommend using a ladder as this spot is very close to the terminal where airport security is close by.

FOCAL LENGTH	50mm for a 757, 70mm for a 737/E175.

	Spot #4 – Flight Museum
WHERE	Enter the terminal and follow the signs for the main TSA checkpoint. When you get to the two escalators , by the waterfall, walk to the side, behind them, and you will enter the flight museum. Walk all the way to the back and there will be a large window to spot through.

WHAT	From here you can see aircraft parked at both Concourse A and Concourse B. Aircraft taxiing in and pushing back can be seen clearly as well.

TIME	Depends a bit on the angle but usually from afternoon till sunset.

MISC.	As you are shooting through a window, there is a slight blue tint, which will affect your photos. This spot is very convenient as it takes less than a minute to get to a restroom. There is also a gift shop by the escalators where you can buy some snacks.

FOCAL LENGTH	20mm for a 737, 50mm for an RJ.

	Spot #5 – Kinne Street
WHERE	At the intersection of Northern Blvd and East Molloy Road turn into Kinne Street and drive all the way up till the end to a crash gate. Park your car on the gravel area on the left side and walk on the grass to find your prefered position.

WHAT	Aircraft landing on runway 28 pass right in front of you.

TIME	During winter all day long. In summer from late morning until afternoon.

MISC.	This spot is very far away from any kind of shops or restrooms. It’s best to bring some snacks with you if you plan to stay for a while.

FOCAL LENGTH	50mm for a 737, 70mm for an E175.

	Spot #6 – Tuskegee Rd
WHERE	There is an abandoned parking lot between some general aviation hangars. Where Malden Road turns into Townline Road turn into Tuskegee Rd till you find the position to your left.

WHAT	From here you can see runway 10/28 departures and arrivals as well as some parked GA aircraft on the ramp.

TIME	During winter all day long. In summer from late morning until afternoon.

MISC.	You will have to shoot through a fence or over it if you have a pickup truck. We strongly do not recommend using a ladder as this spot is very close to the FBO office.

FOCAL LENGTH	100mm for a 737, 120mm for an E175.

	Spot #7 – Burnham Park
WHERE	From the previous location just continue on Malden road right till you see a small entrance to some football and baseball fields. Park your car there and walk back to the road as marked on the map.

WHAT	From here you can only photograph runway 10 arrivals.

TIME	During winter all day long. In summer from late morning until afternoon.

MISC.	There are restrooms at the park as well. There is a pizza shop west down the road.

FOCAL LENGTH	70mm for a 737, 100mm for an E175