PORTUGAL

FARO (LPFR/FAO)

Viewing can be done from the terrace above arrivals in the terminal, though views are limited due to the terminal being expanded. The best views are on the way to Praia de Faro (Faro Beach). As you come out of the airport, you will see a roundabout with concrete figures on it. Take the turning for Praia de Faro. This road leads you past the end of the runway, after which you will see salt flats on your right. As the road bends to your right, you will see a turning on your left, which looks like a dirt track. Take this track and you will be right next to the runway. Following the track for approx 1 mile leads you close to the other end of the runway. No facilities here so make sure you stock up on water, food etc if planning a few hours here.

For same day arrivals and departures visit http://www.ana-aeroportos.pt/flights/flights.asp?fLang=uk&fDestOrig=Arrivals&fAeroport=faro

Added 16 May 2007

LAJES

Aircraft can viewed from various places around the perimeter and from the surrounding hills.

Added 13 March 2008

LISBON (LPPT/LIS)

The new terminal 2, from which domestic flights depart, has no view over the airfield and views from the main terminal are limited. After passing passport control there are some clear windows near gates 18 and 19. A lot of other windows have a sort of mesh fence to diffuse the bright sunlight, which is very difficult to spot through. There is a great little area on a raised footpath up the side of a slight hill in front of a football pitch and within walking distance. Directions to this point are, from the airport, go down the left hand side of the airport approach road and you will come to a large roundabout. Almost going back on yourself, take the exit over your left shoulder and you will see a footpath that goes up the side of a hill. At the top you will see a small football pitch behind a wire fence, which you can stand in front of. You get a great view from here of the isolated stands where most of the A330s and A340s park, and you can monitor all aircraft taxiing out and landing so absolutely nothing gets missed. There is an excellent spot the locals use right by the threshold of 03L, however you may find they park everything over by the VIP area. The only viewpoints are from an area opposite the terminal if you can take a look at Google Earth. You will probably need a car to get here or work out what number yellow bus travels along the main road. Where you want to be is a right turn off the main road into a housing estate and at the end there is a spot where a house was flattened, the locals gather here. Further up the road is worth a trip if only to view the hangers and parked aircraft. A dirt area is on top of some high ground. Don't forget the Convair 880 which is near the terminal, again visible on Google Earth. Best hotel if you can get a good price is the Radisson SAS, which is within walking distance of the end of the runway, and if you get a room on the eastern side you have the approach right in front of you. Room 1012 has views of all movements and most of the parked aircraft.

Updated 26 January 2008

PORTO-OPORTO (LPPR/OPO)

There are some views inside from the mezzanine floor, which runs above the departure area. Most movements can be seen from here but photos are through two lots of glass. If you exit the terminal to the left from the departure level, there is a service road from which good views can be had of all runway activity. Most of the cargo area can also be seen. From here reasonable photos can be had but there is a lot of ground equipment in the way.

Added 16 February 2007