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General |
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With a flourishing tourist industry, Aruba has a busy airport. Many daily flights arrive from the US and Europe, making this airport a perfect place to spend some time during your holiday. Smaller regional airlines and aircraft of the US government can be found here as well. A perfect destination for a family-spotting trip! |
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Getting There |
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Although just 15kms off the Venezuelan coast, there's currently no passenger ferry to the South American mainland or any other island. Therefore, the airport is most likely your point of entry to Aruba. Coming from the centre of it's capital Oranjestad, head south along the shoreline. At the roundabout keep right and the airfield appears on your right. |
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Layout |
| North side |
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The north side of the airport handles all passenger and cargo aircraft. A large and modern terminal is situated here as well as the cargo platform, where US government aircraft are parked if present. |
| South side |
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The south side of the airport is the home of the general aviation community. Bizjets and light aviation dominate the ramps here. A number of aircrafte are stored here as well. |
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Around The Airport |
 Approach runway 11 |
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Because of the everblowing north eastern tradewind this approach is mostly in use. Enjoy your real Caribbean spotting experience here! The beach next to the New Havana Beach Club is the place to be in the morning. Nice landing shots can be made with no more than 300mm. |
 Crashgate |
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The roundabout just south of Oranjestad gives access to a crashgate. The gate itself is suitable for photography of aircraft turning from the taxiway to the runway. From 11.00 AM till 03.00 PM this spot will give you nice opportunities with 300mm. |
 Picknick spots |
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Along the fence on the LG Smith Boulevard, from the crashgate to the fire brigade, good views of the taxiways and runways can be obtained. A few picknick spots allow you to enjoy some shade. For the taxiway 50mm will do, the runway requires 300mm. After noon you will have backlight though. |
 Terminal |
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Unfortunately, the terminal offers limited views and only after you passed customs. From your departure gate you can have a look on the platform, though the aircraft are probably too close... Regional carriers are often parked further away from the terminal and can often be photographed. |
 Approach runway 29 |
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Although seldom used, the 29 approach might be good spot to spend a couple of hours in September and/or October. From the terminal, take a right turn at the T-junction beside the terminal and keep the fence on your right. This neighbourhood has the promising name of Buena Vista (Good View) and indeed aircraft on finals for runway 29 can be nicely viewed from here. |
 General Aviation |
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A bit hard to explain, but definitely worth the effort is spot 6. From spot 5 head on towards the sea. When the pavement of your road ends, turn right and follow the dirt road past the hangar. Here you will find a crashgate, which provides excellent views of the general aviation platform, the runway, the taxiway and the terminal. Zooming between 50mm and 400mm, you will appreciate this spot after noon. |
 Old terminal |
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Leaving spot 5, head back to the road you just left, turn right and follow the road all the way to the sea. Turn right again near the Bucuti Yacht Club. You will find some stored airliners which can be seen from the parking lot of the old terminal. Views of the general aviation platform, the runway and the taxiway can be obtained here as well. As with spot 6, 50-400mm will do the job from noon to sunset. |
 Renaissance Island |
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Save the best for last, but definitely something to consider when booking your holiday. Only if you stay in the Renaissance hotel, you will have access to Renaissance Island (formerly known as Sonesta island). All arriving air traffic can be viewed from noon to sunset and photographed with 300mm from the beach, while sipping your exotic cocktail... |
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