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Guide to Manchester Airport

Contributors: BMI Alan, dan330, G-WWBB, joejoe, photofocus, Stu-D
Updated Saturday 17th December, 2011

ICAO Code: EGCC
IATA Code: MAN

Latitude: N53° 21' 12"
Longitude W2° 16' 44"

Sunrise Today: 07:44
Sunset Today: 17:01

Manchester is the 3rd busiest in the UK behind the two London Airports of Heathrow and Gatwick. Although the bulk of movements are UK charter airlines there are a growing number of scheduled carriers from around the world. As a result the airport now has two runways of around 10,000ft long. Usually runways 23R / L (changed recently from 24R / L) are in use, 23L (new runway) is used for departures while 23R is used for arriving aircraft. If the 05's are used then 05R is used for landings with 05L used for take-offs.
In order to facilitate ATC training there are new runway opening times, these are as follows:
From 12th Dec > 24th Feb 12.
Mon - Fri, Dual runway operations will be 0630-0930, and 1800-2000.
Sat, 0630-0930.
Sun, 1800-2000.

To complete lighting upgrades on 23R / 05L, single runway operations (23L / 05R) will be in effect from:
Sun-Thur 2130-0630

All other times, the airport will be using single runway operations using 05L / 23R.

Out of all UK airports, Manchester is probably the best for viewing and photography with many very good spots. As a general rule the spots on the southside are good for photography in the morning, with those on the northside being good for late afternoon / early evening.

Map Information - The google map below is very outdated. The satellite view however is far more recent.

Radio Frequencies

Approach: 118.575
Delivery: 121.700
Director: 121.350
Ground: 121.850
Runway 1 Tower: 118.625
Runway 2 Tower: 119.400

Links

More Photos
Official Website
Ringway Reports

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Manchester Airport Weather

All times on the weather descriptions are local

Observed at 07:20 - (30 mins ago)

0°C

Fog
Clouds: Broken Clouds at 100ft, Overcast at 200ft
Wind: 130° at 02 knots
Visibility: 300m
QNH: 1026
Dew Point: 0°C
Runway in Use: Likely Runways 05L/R

View the full forecast for Manchester Airport

Movements

A sample of the upcoming movements for Manchester.

February 2012

Tue 21st

New Service
Arr: 18:20, Dep: 18:50 - New 3 times weekly Budapest service on Tues, Thur and Sat. RYR8258/9

March 2012

Mon 5th

Loganair

New Service
- On behalf of FlyBE, Loganair will serve Norwich airport.

Fri 16th

New Service
- Istanbul services will commence using a Boeing 757-200 On Tuesdays and Fridays!!!

Sun 25th

New Service
- Turkish Airlines increase MAN-IST to 10 weekly using existing flight numbers at various times. Equipment B737-800, but upgrades are likely

New Service
- Milan Malpensa services to commence as of the 25th

View all movements for Manchester.

Spot A - Terminal 1 Car Park Roof

The Car Park offers reasonable views of the international pier on Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. However other parts of the airport are restricted (especially Terminal 3 BA, AA and domestic). Photography is good with two problems, there are fences around with a only a few holes at certain points from which to take photo's and only aircraft using Terminal 2 and certain stands on Terminal 1 can be photographed without obstructions.

With the car park charges it is also the most expensive spot at Manchester.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 21' 49" (N53° 21.815')
Longitude: W2° 16' 27" (W2° 16.449')

Photos

Focal Length: 80mm

Focal Length: 110mm

Focal Length: 90mm

View more photos taken at this location

Spot B - Aviation Viewing Park

This is the official viewing area and offers excellent views and good photo opportunities. The area is situated close to the general aviation and maintanence areas and not far from Runway 23R / 05L. Before the new runway was built it was great for departing shots, but now most departures use the new runway (except between 1200 and 1500) then these are harder to get. All arriving aircraft can be photographed though as they vacate the runway and larger aircraft types can be taken as they taxi out to 23L. From a spotters point of view this is probably the best spot as all aircraft can be seen and there are facilities (food, toilets etc) situated nearby. Photography is only possible in the late afternoon.
Thanks to Wendy Smith for pointing out that Dogs are not allowed in the Viewing Park.

Open every day from 0800 until dusk

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 21' 15" (N53° 21.253')
Longitude: W2° 16' 58" (W2° 16.967')

Photos

Focal Length: 266mm

Focal Length: 70mm

View more photos taken at this location

Spot C - Southside 23L End

Perhaps the best spots for photography at Manchester are on the southside of the airfield. The area is a walkers route which runs for the whole length of the new runway (23L / 05R) on one side and about half way on the otherside. You can walk the length of the runway and around the 05R end with great views and photographic opportunities and you can also reach the other side of the runway (spot 6 - afternoon spot) by walking under the tunnel about halfway down on the left hand side (as you look at the tunnel).
The 23L end is very good for close-up photos as aircraft line-up on the runway. Photography is good in the morning.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 20' 54" (N53° 20.902')
Longitude: W2° 16' 26" (W2° 16.428')

Photos

Focal Length: 76mm

Focal Length: 300mm

Focal Length: 155mm

Focal Length: 120mm

View more photos taken at this location

Spot D - Southside 05R End

Some great take-off or landing shots can be taken depending on which runway is in use. Remember though that this runway closes between 1200 and 1500 daily. A visit to spot 5 may be in order during this time if the 05's are in use.
This is my favourite spot at Manchester, you are very close to the aircraft (100mm will be too much for side on views with anything like a 767) and the fence is way below you, you don't have to work to keep it out of your photos. Photography is good in the morning.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 20' 15" (N53° 20.251')
Longitude: W2° 17' 42" (W2° 17.693')

Photos

Focal Length: 112mm

Focal Length: 140mm

Focal Length: 135mm

Focal Length: 161mm

View more photos taken at this location

Spot E - End of 05L

The walkway from spots 3 and 4 goes along one side of the new runway, but also goes under it and onto the other side, allowing you to get close to the end of 05L. A slightly longer lens will be required though (I use 300mm maximum). You can get shots as aircraft line up and approach shotsfrom an area a few feet away but its only good when 06L is in use, one of the few choices when the 05R is closed between 1200 and 1500.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 20' 35" (N53° 20.587')
Longitude: W2° 17' 50" (W2° 17.825')

Photos

View more photos taken at this location

Spot F - 23L / 05R Northside

As stated, you can get to virtually anywhere you want around the new runway. This includes the Northside of the runway which is best late in the afternoon as the sun goes around. The area here is very similar to Spot 4 but on the opposite side of the runway, you are very close and only a small lens is required.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 20' 20" (N53° 20.337')
Longitude: W2° 18' 1" (W2° 18.015')

Photos

View more photos taken at this location

Spot G - Southside - 05L Departure Spot

This spot allows you to get a good view of aircraft departing 05L. The field is located further along from spot 3 meaning you can get rotation shots of aircraft departing 05L. The field is fairly distant from the runway and so will suffer from heat haze especially in the summer and a very long lens is needed.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 21' 12" (N53° 21.207')
Longitude: W2° 15' 45" (W2° 15.743')

Photos

Focal Length: 190mm

Focal Length: 200mm

Focal Length: 210mm

View more photos taken at this location

Spot H - Southside - 23R Arrival Field

This spot lies at the very end of 23R. It allows short final approach shots for aircraft arriving on 23R. A part of the ground can usually be included in the shot. Although not the best spot in the world it is one of the few areas to get an action shot of aircraft arriving on 23R.
As from April 2011, this spot is now undergoing heavy excatvation work to make way for a Car Park, therefore the 'mounds' have now been levelled. But as you walk through the field from Moss Lane, their seems to be another mound but does look temporary at the moment. Its located just passed the stream and is still possible to get landing/taxi shot.

There are currently two mounds that can still be used to get good landing/taxi shots. Although heavy machinery is still evident, work on and around the 'mounds' appears to be spasmodic. Work is also being undertaken by the airport at the end of the runway which means that most aircraft are departing further away on the main runway, which will require using a longer lens.( As at 7th Aug.2011 )

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 21' 30" (N53° 21.493')
Longitude: W2° 15' 22" (W2° 15.36')

Photos

Focal Length: 170mm

Focal Length: 100mm

Focal Length: 160mm

Focal Length: 155mm

View more photos taken at this location

Spot I - Terminal 3 Car Park

The top of the terminal 3 short stay car park offers views across the end of 23R and is a good spot to get arriving aircraft on a late summers afternoon, evening. Pretty useful aside from that, the sun never quite works its way around in the winter.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 21' 44" (N53° 21.731')
Longitude: W2° 16' 6" (W2° 16.094')

Photos

Focal Length: 260mm

Focal Length: 220mm

View more photos taken at this location

Spot J - Airport Pub

The airport pub is popular among the locals and idea for an outing especially in the summer to chill out in the beer garden and watch the aircraft. The pub is located at the threshold on runway 23R. Aircraft taxi very close to the fence with landing and departing aircraft only a few feet away.
Photography from here though is not recommended. The area looks into the sun the vast majority of the day and maybe only the early summer evening being the time when photos become possible.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N53° 21' 48" (N53° 21.799')
Longitude: W2° 15' 28" (W2° 15.469')

Photos

Focal Length: 90mm

Focal Length: 85mm

Focal Length: 100mm

Focal Length: 80mm

View more photos taken at this location

Comments About This Airport / Guide

Posted by: Woody

Friday 3rd February, 2012 at 16:42 GMT

The viewing park is ok but expensive and the aircraft (Nimrod, DC10, 146, Trident and Concorde) always seem to be closed- not good if you have travelled far to visit the viewing park.

Posted by: kevin burgess

Friday 20th January, 2012 at 15:44 GMT

there is no windows in terminal one too spot air craft go to the bus terminal ask the inspecter for the number off the bus to visit the viewing park and it will take you there good for photography they have toilets restaraunt and snack bar there plus shops and off course we have aircraft to look at and we have concorde there to visit and seats available weather per mitting

Posted by: Mark Brown

Friday 30th December, 2011 at 10:43 GMT

I plan on going to Man to do some spotting in May is the aviation park good to view the aircraft????

Posted by: Dan

Tuesday 13th December, 2011 at 20:36 GMT

Hi All,

I'm new to the whole plane thing. Has anyone got any good advice for new comers like me?
I have visited the AVP a couple of time but I want to move away from that now and try other places. I know there are some place shown above. But where are the best places to park?

A reply would be really appreciated.

Thanks
Dan

Posted by: Donal

Sunday 6th November, 2011 at 21:03 GMT

hi, i'm heading to Manchester next wkend for a days spotting, just wondering where would the best spots be? using a 70-300 lens.

Posted by: Ade

Friday 26th August, 2011 at 10:34 GMT

Which way will the A380 land today Friday 26th August ?
Will it land over the airport pub ? Or come in where the aviation centre is ? My son wants to see it land

Posted by: bluechalk

Thursday 25th August, 2011 at 10:09 GMT

postcode for woodend lane is WA16 7LZ

Posted by: cymmon

Thursday 11th August, 2011 at 17:55 GMT

Emirates A380 is due in at 1225 every day, excellent views from the Airport pub.

Posted by: dannya

Saturday 6th August, 2011 at 15:46 GMT

dose anybody know what time is best to see the A380 land at manchester.

Posted by: Nick Farrigton

Wednesday 13th July, 2011 at 16:14 GMT

Does someone have a postcode for woodend lane the 05R touch down end thank you

Posted by: Derek Anderson

Friday 8th July, 2011 at 22:36 GMT

Hi, can anyone tell me where the best place to park would be for spots C or D? Thanks!

Posted by: sean

Friday 8th July, 2011 at 07:25 GMT

Hi can anyone tell me where to park for sites E D F please. I am coming from Derby. thanks

Posted by: Ashley Hinton

Wednesday 29th June, 2011 at 20:26 GMT

Next time I visit the Manchester area I'll have to spend some time around the airport. Any parking tips for getting to 23L/05R ? I don't mind parking near one end and walking! Thanks.

Posted by: COLIN BROWN

Wednesday 29th June, 2011 at 12:26 GMT

i SHALL BE VISITING MANCHESTER AIRPORT THIS WEEKEND 2/3 JULY AND OUT OF ALL THE VIEWING POINTS WHICH IS THE BEST FOR SEEING EVERYTHING AND NOT MISSING ANYTHING. ALSO IS THERE A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE AIRCRAFT IN TERMINAL1.

Posted by: PHIL BROOKS

Monday 27th June, 2011 at 14:45 GMT

ANOTHER GOOD VIEWING POINT IS BRUNTWOOD PARK IN CHEADLE.WHEN PLANES ARE COMING IN FROM THE EAST THEY ARE AT APPROX. 200M ALTITUDE.BUT, DO NOT GO DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC GEAR AS THE PARK WARDEN DOES CALL THE POLICE!

Posted by: TallDutch

Saturday 18th June, 2011 at 09:19 GMT

Hello all,

I am new at this forum.
For the last weekend of July I scheduled a trip to Manchester.
Can anyone recommend a hotel from where at least the aviation park is easy reachable (either by feet or public transport)?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Joop

Posted by: Patrick

Monday 16th May, 2011 at 20:22 GMT

hi i just wondered at spot C whats it like at night, is it very dark? do you get a few people passing?

Posted by: gareth taylor

Sunday 15th May, 2011 at 17:16 GMT

Whats Spot I like for spotting? Only been to Term 1 and the Viewing Park.

Thanks,

Gareth.

Posted by: Pat Whelan

Sunday 8th May, 2011 at 16:09 GMT

The one vital piece of information misssing regarding the AVP,what are the opening hours during the summer please,

Many thanks in advance.

Pat.

Posted by: mally smith

Saturday 23rd April, 2011 at 23:22 GMT

which is the best spot for me on my motorcycle, easy to get to and secure for motorcycle

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Guide to Manchester Airport

Radio Frequencies

Links

Get Hotel prices

Manchester Airport Weather

Movements

February 2012

March 2012

Spot A - Terminal 1 Car Park Roof

Spot B - Aviation Viewing Park

Spot C - Southside 23L End

Spot D - Southside 05R End

Spot E - End of 05L

Spot F - 23L / 05R Northside

Spot G - Southside - 05L Departure Spot

Spot H - Southside - 23R Arrival Field

Spot I - Terminal 3 Car Park

Spot J - Airport Pub

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