TURKEY

ISTANBUL (LTBA/IST)

In the arrivals part of the international terminal you can spot from where Burger King used to be, just follow the signs, though this isn’t a great place. Very poor view of one runway and you can only read off between gaps as the aircraft go past. You can see all movements in departures upstairs. In the domestic terminal, to the left of the café bar next to the passenger screening are some steps up to a number of dirty windows with a fairly good view of movements and part of the maintenance area. Generally, you’re not disturbed though be discreet as some people have been asked not to use binoculars here. There is also a museum on the military side of the airport – you have to hand your bag in before you enter. The Radisson SAS hotel, room 350 overlooks the runway threshold, windows are dirty but ok for spotting.

Updated 2 February 2008