Glasgow Intl (Abbotsinch)

1Terminal

The spotters tend to congregate (at least during weekends) on the first floor of the terminal, close to the Celtic Shop. It is one of the few remaining areas where you can still look airside from within the terminal. It offers restricted views of Apron L (domestic). Airlines flying to the Highlands and Islands, Channel Islands and Ireland can be seen here, as well as bmibaby and easyJet. If you are a photographer as well, you are better off at various points around the perimeter fence.

2Terminal area

Close to the terminal building, there are good views of the west side of the international pier (Apron N) and arriving taxiing aircraft between the blast fence and taxi park. There is also a snack corner offering coffee and simple snacks at this point.

3Taxiway holding runway 05

The emergency access gate close to the threshold of Runway 05 and along the fence to the left, are excellent for taxi, holding and landing shots when runway 05 is in use. This is situated at the far west of the airport, beyond the Loganair hangar on St Andrews Crescent. West of the gate, the area known as 'the mound' in the contractor's dumping ground, is a popular spot for photographers with an elevated outlook onto the runway and taxiways.

4Finals runway 05

Somewhat further west, there is a public walkway/cycle path with excellent views of the runway 05 threshold. Landings shots can easily be made from here. This path cannot be accessed from spot 3. You will have to go to Barnsford Road, which goes around the runway 05 from the St James interchange of the M8 motorway. No long-stay parking seems to be available here, though.

5Glasgow Flying Club

On the north side, Walkinshaw Road between the Glasgow Flying Club and East Yonderton Farm, provides good views of the runways and terminal area. Photography is limited to late afternoons, unless you do not mind taking pictures into the sun. At the end of the road, the emergency access gate affords excellent views of the landing action on runway 23. Access is from Barnsford Road, close to the finals of crosswind runway 09.

6Taxiway holding runway 23

There are two emergency access gates along Abbotsinch Road, one where the marker is placed and one closer to the holding point. You can get excellent views of landing/departing aircraft on runway 23, very close on the taxiway and somewhat further at the holding point and on the runway. No parking is allowed near these gates, nor in the neighbourhood. The spot is about a one-mile walk after turning left outside the terminal.