Aircraft Viewing Locations

The above photograph, showing the "mound" in Dungeon Lane on the south side of the threshold of runway 27 is probably the best place to "park-up" and take photographs, but it can get quite busy there at lunchtime and weekends - and the available area has now been drastically reduced due to recent excavation work.

There are a number of sites around Liverpool Airport that afford the opportunity to both "spot" and photograph aircraft. If arriving by car, there is a large ground-level car park just opposite the terminal building. Costs are not as cheap as they used to be. For up to date car-parking tariffs, please contact the airport, or visit their website. The car park is now "pay-on-foot", with machines for exit tickets being located in the terminal building. It is advised that you use the official parking areas, as wheel-clamping is in operation in all areas other than officially designated car parks and double yellow lines stretch back past Hale Road. There are many bus services serving the airport, including express links to the city centre (500) and buses stopping at Hunts Cross and Garston railway stations.

For Airband radio users, Liverpool's frequencies are 119.85 (Approach), 118.45 (Director) 126.35 (Tower) and 121.95 (Ground - not in full use). An ATIS is available on 124.325.

Please note that, due to the extensive construction and redevelopment work being carried out at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, viewing options are in a state of flux. We will try to keep this site updated as the situation changes.

1. Terminal Building. There is a reasonably good view of the main apron from the top floor of the new terminal, alongside Burger King. It is a pity, though, that the airport failed to incorporate a dedicated viewing area in the construction of the new terminal...or is it just us "oldies" hankering back to the good old days of the spectator's balcony on the old north airfield?!!!

2. Main Gate and Car Park. A "quick view" of part of the main apron can be got from the area between the Royal Mail building and the Emerald Airways offices. The new "Tango" apron to the east of the hangars can be seen from the public car park in the area near the old control tower. Spotters are reminded to observe ALL"No Entry" notices and remain on the public side of fences at ALL times.

3. Runway 27 Threshold (see above photograph) If you are spending a while at Liverpool Airport (and have a car) this area is really to be recommended. It is also the prime spot for photography, especially if 27 is in use for landing. To get there, drive out of the main entrance to the airport, back on to the dual-carriageway and take the first turning right (Dunlop Road/Hale Road). Follow this road until you reach the General Aviation hangars. Take the next right turn here, continue down and you will soon pass the threshold of the runway. Continue past and follow the road round (there is another road coming in from the left here). At this junction, you will find a large mound that is excellent for photographs of approaching aircraft and you can also view aircraft lining up on 27 from here too. The mound here has become the most popular site for people wanting to view the airport comings & goings....but please note that this area has now been cut down dramatically thanks to recent earthworks and numbers of cars that can park on there is now very limited
A Word of Warning. It is not recommended that you leave your car unattended in Dungeon Lane. Please also observe the parking restrictions - police and security do patrol the area fairly regularly and are aware of the area being used by spotters - inconsiderate parking could spoil it for others.

4.Light Aircraft Park The same directions apply to the new light aircraft park, alongside Hale Road, near its junction with Dungeon Lane. Some viewing can be had from Hale Road - there are small lay-bys (bus stops) on either side of the road close to the aircraft parking area, but the view is becoming more obscured here as the new hangars go up and there is a grass bank that has been constructed behind the fence. You can also take the first right near the top of Dungeon Lane and drive towards the aero clubs and park by the fence - but please move on if asked to do so by security.

5. Runway 09 Threshold (Speke Hall). This option is within land owned and maintained by the National Trust and is therefore only available during their opening hours (charges apply, although you need only the basic entrance fee to view the aircraft from the "Bund"). To get to Speke Hall from the airport, take the dual-carriageway back to the large roundabout and take the first left (it is sign-posted) and follow the signs to the entrance. The pathway up to the "Bund" is via a sloped pathway behind the children's play area. You will get a good view of the 09 threshold and the "spur taxiway", although this is now no longer in use as an aircraft parking area. You can also see all aircraft landing on runway 27, with many rolling to the end. There are limited views of aircraft parked on the main apron. This is a great venue during summer months especially - and, if you anticipate using it on a number of occasions, it may be worth looking at taking out membership of the National Trust.

Please follow these guidelines and remember that straying onto private land may lead to prosecution.