Geneva Airport
| Continent: Europe | Country: Switzerland |
| Geneva Airport | |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| IATA code | GVA |
| ICAO code | LSGG |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | [www.gva.ch/en/ www.gva.ch/en/] |
| Overview map | [maps.google.com/maps?ll=46.235250,6.112261&spn=0.040552,0.075179&t=k&hl=en Google Map] |
| Communications | |
| Tower | |
| Ground | |
| Clearance | |
| Approach | |
| ATIS | |
Official Spotting Locations
Location
The only place to spot that is "official" is actually the "viewing terrace". It gives a nice view of the terminal area, the apron, and the takeoffs as the runway is just past the apron. Please note that for photography, it is quite far away, and that you might not be able to take good pictures as there is a thick glass panel that loves bad reflections. On that same terrace, there is a bar where you can have a drink, and there are tables & chairs. On weekends when the weather is nice, you'll have a lot of families there too. All in all, nice views, but no pictures.
Unofficial Spotting Locations
Location
There are a couple of places to spot in GVA. First of all, check if the unway in use it 23 (over the lake) or 05 (over the Jura mountains, from France)
For runway 05 in use
Spot 1 From the terminal, head to the south (take the road and follow "Meyrin". The road will drive parralel to the runway and highway (to the left). One you pass the control tower and the Skyguide building, you will see a Carrefour in front of you. Before that one, turn right and you get on a bigger road ("Route de Meyrin"). Drive 200m further and then, turn right heading "Tag Aviation" and "Private Jet" terminal. Just where you turn, you will see a parking lot (Tag Aviation private). The spot is there, at the corner of the fence. To park your car. Drive down the road approx. 200m more and when the road turns left, you will have a public parking lot to your right.
The pictures you will take are like this one. There are holes in the fence so that you can pass your lens through it. It is mostly for line-up shots. Touchdowns are possible, though very hard to get.
Spot 2 From the first spot, walk towards the runway threshold. You will get onto a pedestrian/bicycle path and by getting closer to the threshold, you will find some holes in the fence too. Can provide some nice views but it is hard to get good shots.
Spot 3 Is better for approach pictures, though only in the afternoon (summer) and late afternoon (spring + fall). Walk across the runway threshold and to the west. Get near the petol station, but don't cross the road. From there, there are some electrical "boxes" on the side of the pedestian path where you can climb on to get some pictures.
For runway 23 in use
Please be patient, I will complete this soon.