In Photos: Aviation Photography at Frankfurt Airport

DALLAS — Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany’s largest international airport. It attracts various commercial and cargo movements worldwide and is predominantly a Lufthansa (LH) hub.

Hundreds of aircraft and many airlines fly through daily to various destinations, creating a paradise for aviation photographers. This post covers the main locations for photography and the airlines that fly into and out of Frankfurt.

Airlines

Lufthansa (LH) is Frankfurt’s most prominent airline, making up most movements at its hub airport. The German airline operates a fleet of aircraft at FRA, including the Airbus A320 family, A330, A340, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, 777F, and the CRJ. The A350 and A380 rarely operate here as these are now based at Munich Airport (MUC). 

Several Lufthansa Group airlines also operate into and out of FRA, including subsidiary Eurowings (EW), Discover (4Y), Swiss (LX), Austrian (OS), Brussels (SN), Air Dolomiti (EN) and newly acquired ITA Airways (AZ). 

Germany’s leisure airline, Condor (DE), operates many flights utilizing their flagship A330neo long-haul aircraft, A320 family and B757. These aircraft mainly fly to holiday (and usually sunnier) destinations across the globe. 

Frankfurt's Terminal 1 is home to the carriers mentioned above and other Star Alliance members. All other airlines, including OneWorld carriers such as Japan Airlines (JL) and British Airways (BA), operate out of Terminal 2.

Lesser-known airlines to Europe operate in Germany’s largest airport, including Mongolian Airlines (OM) and Turkmenistan Airlines (T5). These rarities make Frankfurt Airport the perfect airport for those who note down aircraft registrations.

As well as commercial airlines, Frankfurt Airport is the busiest cargo airport in Europe, handling over 2.1 million tonnes of cargo movements in 2024, as per Fraport traffic figures. 

The Lufthansa Cargo fleet comprises 16 Boeing Boeing 777F and 4 Airbus A321F aircraft, transporting considerable cargo worldwide. The airport also sees several Boeing B747F cargo aircraft from airlines, including Cathay Pacific Cargo (CX) and Asiana Cargo (OZ)

Frankfurt Airport has four runways, so there are plenty of locations to photograph, including three official viewing points and a visitor’s terrace in Terminal 2.

07L/25R is used for arrivals, 07C/25C is used for arrivals and departures, 07R/25L is used only for arrivals, and 18 is used for departures.

1. Zeppelinheim Viewing Platform

Frankfurt Airport's first official viewing platform overlooks runways 07R/25L and 07C/25C. As the wind predominantly blows from the east, aircraft land on 25L (sometimes 25C) and can be captured on their final approach until touchdown. 

Most heavies land on this runway, including A380s and Boeing 747s, and it is the best location to spot such aircraft. It is also possible to capture 25C departures as aircraft line up.

During reverse operations, aircraft takeoff from 07C, and only departures can be captured here. In addition, the spot overlooks two taxiways where aircraft are towed or taxiing.

Accessing this spot is straightforward: It is about a 30-minute walk from Terminal 2. If you are taking transport, take the S-bahn from the airport station to Zeppelinheim station and walk through the forest to the viewing platform. If you are traveling by car, there is plenty of space to park in the forest outside the station entrance.

This location is perfect all day during the spring, autumn, and winter when the sun remains behind the aircraft. In summer periods, during sunrise and sunset, the sun is behind the aircraft, but the rest of the day is excellent.

2: North-west Runway Viewing Platform

The second official viewing platform covers landings only in both directions (07R/25L), and all heavies except A380s and B747s land here. As the platform is higher than the perimeter fence, excellent photos can be captured,d including touchdowns and runway turn-offs.

The location's proximity to the taxiway means that pilots will also wave at photographers if they recognize us taking photos!

This location is further from the terminal, so it is recommended that you travel by bus. From the bus station outside Terminal 1, take bus 751, 67, or X15 towards Tor (gate) 26 and walk a further 1.5km along the airport ring. After crossing the autobahn, you will find a fire station. Walk along the path to the viewing platform.

As mentioned above, this location is perfect all day during the spring, autumn, and winter when the sun remains behind the aircraft. During summer, the sun is behind the plane at sunrise and sunset, but the rest of the day is fine.

3: Runway 18 Lineups

As the name suggests, this location offers views of runway 18 lineups. Aircraft departing from 25C can also be photographed here.

Standing on the mound, this location also overlooks the main de-icing pad, and during cold weather, great photos can be taken here. If looking through the fence, aircraft sometimes use this taxiway after vacating 07L/25R. Keep your lenses focused on the aircraft as they taxi over the road!

Accessing this spot by transport is the same as sport number 2; however, following the airport ring around and underneath the taxiway until you find a mound on your right.

This location is suitable from 1 pm onwards all year round. Anytime before this, the light will be behind the aircraft.

4: West Runway Viewing Platform

This official viewing platform offers stunning views of the airfield. Photography is best during 07R landings, 18 takeoffs, and 25C takeoffs. Aircraft do not land or take off from runway 36!

Accessing this spot requires a bus, which is the same line that takes you to locations 2 and 3 from the bus station outside Terminal 1. Take the 751 to Tor (gate) 31 and walk back underneath the runway until you see steps leading to the platform.

For 18 takeoffs, as above, this location is suitable from 1 pm onwards all year round. Anytime before this, the light will be behind the aircraft. 07R landings are acceptable all year round.

5: Visitor’s Terrace at Terminal 2

The final location on our guide is the visitor’s terrace situated before security in Terminal 2. Aircraft departing on runway 25C and arriving on 25L can be seen, as well as movements from the gates directly below you.

Most of the terrace is behind a metal fence; however, there are a few photography holes that your lenses can fit through for an unobstructed shot.

Since this location faces the sun, it is not recommended for photography unless it is overcast (as seen in the photos below). It is usually closed during the winter season. You can find information about opening times here.

Airport Tours

Frankfurt Airport also organizes airport tours with fantastic views of the apron and the airport as a whole. Tours range from 45 minutes to 2 hours on a bus with a knowledgeable tour guide. It is recommended that you book in advance here.

This article aims to guide new and old photographers who wish to make the most of their time doing aviation photography at Frankfurt Airport! With many movements from airlines worldwide, you can be sure your time photographing here will be worth it. 

More information on the location of the viewing points can be found on Frankfurt Airport’s official website. Happy spotting!

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