Munich Airport
| Continent: Europe | Country: Germany |
|
Please note that the use of airband scanners in Germany is illegal. |
| Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport | |
| Location | Munich, Germany |
| IATA code | MUC |
| ICAO code | EDDM |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://www.munich-airport.de |
| Overview map | Google Maps |
| Communications | |
| Tower | 118.70 (North) 120.50 (South) |
| Ground | 121.97 (Ground North) 121.82 (Ground South) 121.77 (Apron 1) 121.70 (Apron 2) 121.92 (Apron 3) |
| Clearance | 121.72 |
| Approach | 118.82 (Director) |
| Departure | 123.90 (North) 127.95 (South) |
| ATIS | 123.12 |
| Plane Spotting Hotels guide | |
The Munich Airport is located 28.5 kilometers north-east of the center of Munich, the Bavarian Capital, at 448 meters above sea level (NN).
Official Spotting Locations
Terminal 2: Visitors Terrace - Skywalk
Take the Skywalk from Level 05 in the public area of Terminal 2.
Views are onto Terminal 2 apron, the aircraft handling area and the runways.
However, all views from this area are through glass, so it is questionable if it is good for photography.
Opening times: Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Admission price: €2 (automated turnstiles only; bring exact cash)
Visitors Hill / Visitors Park
The observation platform atop the 28-metre Visitors Hill provides views of Terminal 1-apron and activities on both runways. However, action at Terimal 2 is can not be seen, as the terminal buildings block views. It is either 172 steps to the top or a graded footpath circling the hill.
Be aware, that there is no real shelter from the elements on the hill, and the restrooms are located before the turnstiles, so if you need to use them you’ll need to exit and pay again to re-enter the hill.
This location can be reached by taking the S-Bahn to Besucherpark, and follow the signs to walk approximately 800m. There is also a paid parking lot at this location.
Opening times: 24h
Admission: €1 (bring coins); no charge for the adjacent exhibition and airplane-themed playground.
Spotters hills along the runways
Alongside each of the two runways there is a dedicated spotters hill complete with car park (no charges for car parking or access to the hill). These locations are too far away from the terminal in order to reach them on foot. Car or bike are recommended. The one to the south at 48.340930, 11.795520 gives also (rather distant) views of Terminal 2 area and the sun will be behind you for action on runway 08R/26L. Be prepared for intersection departures of smaller aircraft on runway 26L.
- Planes.cz sample photo from the southern hill
Other Spotting Locations
Foot paths along the extensive street-system within the airport provide options for shooting aircraft on taxiways. However, at most times, aircraft will be positioned higher than the photographer. As usual, fences can obstruct views.
Locations to Avoid
None. The area is pretty safe and as long as you do not park illegally, police tend to be friendly.
Regular Traffic
MUC handled about 34 million passengers in 2007, so it is among the busier airports in Europe. Although longhaul traffic is growing at MUC, the vast majority of passengers are transported in aircraft the size of Boeing B737 / Airbus A320 and smaller.
Lufthansa, together with its affiliates and Star Alliance partners, dominates traffic at MUC; they are the exclusive users of Terminal 2.
Details of other airlines (all using Terminal 1) can be found on wikipedia (see link below).
Facilities and Transportation
Details can be found on Wikipedia (see link below).
External Links
- www.afm-newx.de - Homepage of the Aviation Friends Munich e. V.
- MUC on Wikipedia
- www.spotterlead.net/MUC spotterfriendly timetables Munich MUC