Lanzarote (Arrecife)

1Terminal T1

There is hardly anything to see here unless you are behind security. Once airside nearly all the registrations can be logged and photography is possible, albeit through glass that is not too clean and has quite some reflections. Both sides of the departure lounge have a small outside terrace. However, these are not always open and offer no better options than the inside area.

2Terminal T2

The view after check-in is not known to us, updates would be appreciated. Outside a few planes can be seen from the left-hand side of the building (looking towards the apron) but there are too many obstructions for photos.

3North side

This business area offers possibilities for spotting and photography. Choose your standpoint depending on runway use and time of day. To get here from the terminal area, enter LZ2 towards Arrecife and take the first exit again. Do not turn into Playa Honda but parallel the motorway to the next junction where you can cross under it, then return to final 21 on the north side.

4Threshold 21

To get here use the description for spot 3 but do turn into Playa Honda and park there. A free view on final 21 can be obtained, the centreline is very close. Some numbers not readable elsewhere may be polled here.

5Northeast side

Continue down the road from spot 4 and turn right when a bit south of the runway threshold. An open area, unpaved but suitable for driving, borders the fence and provides views on everything behind it. Not very good for photos but can bring you some numbers.

6Beach

The beach is very close to two-thirds of the runway. Photography is limited except for final 03 or take-offs from 21, but the view is great. This seems also to be the only place to spot planes on the military apron. Access by foot from either side, paved footpath available.

7Threshold 03 pm

A genuine "spotter's place" with room to park and fine photo-opportunities a few steps back on the road. To get here, take the motorway exit just west of the airport, towards Puerto del Carmen. At the junction after the petrol station stay right, to cross under the main road and carry on towards the shore. Just before the road goes down turning along the beach, enter the track that leads towards the holding point for runway 03. A high fence with small holes hinders photography from the parking lot but a very short walk uphill cures the problem.

8South side

An alternative to spot 7, standing higher and a bit further from the runway and centreline. Free parking and unobstructed view.

9Threshold 03 am

Actually a collection of spots on the beach and between the approach lights. Great for numbers, combined with a nice splash in the ocean, but less for photography as a double fence effectively prevents taking photos. Easily accessible by foot from spots 6, 7 and 8.

10Military gate

The Mirage is preserved here as a gate guard in the middle of a roundabout, which is as far as the public can drive. Just follow the signs to the air base from the terminal area.

11Museum

The Aeronautical Museum of Lanzarote Airport shows local aviation history, including the old control tower and check-in area. Piper Cherokee EC-BND is on display outside. Open Tuesday - Sunday, from 10am till 2pm.