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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: 04:59
Sunset Today: 21:11

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Map Information - The google map below is very outdated.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 00:20 - (12 mins ago)

10°C

Mostly Cloudy
Clouds: Broken Clouds at 600ft
Wind: 290° at 06 knots, varying from 260° to 330
Visibility: Greater than 10km
QNH: 1015
Dew Point: 9°C
Runway in Use: Runways 23L/R

View the full forecast for Manchester Airport

Movements

A sample of the upcoming movements for Manchester.

May 2013

Mon 20th

One-off Charter
Arr: 06:55, Dep: 08:30 - Inbound from Delhi/Outbound to Miami.

New Service
Arr: 21:55, Dep: 14:20 - New weekly service to Corfu commences. Operates Mon. only. Flight nos. LS951/952.

Wed 22nd

New Service
Arr: 14:50, Dep: 11:50 - New 4 x weekly service to Waterford commences using Dash 8-Q400 aircraft. Operates Mon./Wed./Fri./Sun. Flight nos. BE336/337. (Note: Flights arrive and depart an hour earlier on Sundays).

New Service
Arr: 17:10, Dep: 08:35 - New weekly service to Zakynthos commences. Operates Wed. only. Flight nos. LS977/978.

Thu 23rd

New Service
Arr: 10:55, Dep: 11:55 - New weekly service to Palma de mallorca, times change in June

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: 5.8mm

Focal Length: 100mm

Focal Length: 135mm

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: 86.4mm

Focal Length: 165mm

Focal Length: 135mm

Focal Length: 100mm

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: 150mm

Focal Length: 170mm

Focal Length: 12.2mm

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: 125mm

Focal Length: 5mm

Focal Length: 12.2mm

Focal Length: 170mm

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

Focal Length: 82.4mm

Focal Length: 50.6mm

Focal Length: 235mm

Focal Length: 260mm

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

Focal Length: 160mm

Focal Length: 150mm

Focal Length: 170mm

Focal Length: 135mm

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: 228mm

Focal Length: 160mm

Focal Length: 6mm

Focal Length: 75mm

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: 19.7mm

Focal Length: 9.1mm

Focal Length: 5mm

Focal Length: 97.7mm

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: 94mm

Focal Length: 91mm

Focal Length: 118mm

Focal Length: 200mm

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: 119mm

Focal Length: 90mm

Focal Length: 85mm

Focal Length: 100mm

View more photos taken at this location

Comments About This Airport / Guide

Posted by: Markr

Saturday 4th May, 2013 at 11:45 GMT

Hi guys

Thinking of a trip to the airport bub .... Via motorcycle .. are the charges for parking the same as cars..
Thankyou ..

Posted by: Andy Reynolds

Tuesday 19th February, 2013 at 10:20 GMT

Going to manchester for weekend and i would like to know if you can walk or bus to aviation viewing park,from Airport Railway Station.

Thanks

Posted by: jon smythe

Wednesday 26th December, 2012 at 09:21 GMT

our house is in sandbach(cheshire!)and,listening to aircraft, i frequently hear M/C control directing planes to "vector DANE". the aircraft then apears, flies over the house low then heads in the direction of Midllewich/Northwich. i assume 'Dane' is in that area (River Dane i presume) but where it it exactly? when they reach Dane, the aircraft veers sharply right and, descending, assumes it's flight path for landing. i'm a novice to all this so any assistance would be welcome! (richbroom298@gmail.com)

Posted by: zigazaga

Friday 23rd November, 2012 at 20:00 GMT

Guys! I was recently chased away from the top of the heathrow cargo terminal's car park by security. What I'm looking for is the best view of an entire airport - really don't care which one, as long as I can get some wide angle shots with as much activity as possible - not interested in close-ups, as I just want to produce some short video clips of lots going on. I saw on this site that manchester and schipol are the best airports for this and would be prepared to travel, if I knew in advance where to find a good vantage spot, if possible filming during sunrise or sunset and after dark - I happen to be interested in long exposures and time lapse film, certainly not terrorism, in which case I wouldn't be using a tripod and a big camera!

Posted by: jamie

Monday 22nd October, 2012 at 17:31 GMT

Hi. Im thinking about coming to Manchester for the day in the winter months, and was just wondering if you can stop in your car and still see the planes at Spot B Aviation Viewing Park.
Many Thanks

Posted by: Paul Morgan

Saturday 20th October, 2012 at 19:38 GMT

Eddie, There's a bit of street furniture to avoid where you describe, but see below for a place just around the corner on Styal Road which is better and a clear view of approaching planes. I'm suprised it's not been commented on previously. Put the map above onto satellite and you can see it clearly.

Posted by: Paul Morgan

Saturday 20th October, 2012 at 19:30 GMT

In addition to the spots mentioned above a good spot to get aircraft on finals to 23R is from the Premier Inn / Heald Green station car park on Finney Lane. Parking is only �1 for three hours, and there are shops nearby. Also handy for arrival by train. Heavies are Ok, but smaller planes can be a little high still. However if you walk from here, about 10 mins, to Styal Road, then head south you soon come to a low fence overlooking a field marked on most maps as Moss Nook Industrial area. The approach lights extend through here and planes are much lower and a better angle for photographs. It's Manchester's equivalent to Myrtle Avenue at Heathrow. You'll not be bothered, apart from curious passers by. The sun is OK until around 1600

Posted by: Eddie the Eagle

Monday 15th October, 2012 at 16:08 GMT

Can anyone comment on the suitability of the short cul-de-sac off Ringway Road, opposite the Tatton Arms, on the right before raching the main Styal road from the airport? Looking at Google Maps, it seems ideal for approach shots, but I've never heard of anyone using it.

Posted by: Mariusz

Saturday 22nd September, 2012 at 17:27 GMT

Hi
Can someone tell me how much is going to cost me taxi from airport to Aviation Viewing Park??
And it is possible to walk this distance, how long is going to take?

Regards
Mariusz

Posted by: coldste

Thursday 5th July, 2012 at 22:05 GMT

hi just would like to know how do you get to the runway visitor park from the airport is the bus that used to be there still there or do you have to walk ?

Posted by: mr flight

Thursday 21st June, 2012 at 16:16 GMT

I am a reporter from USA and i would like to find out how much it costs to have a beer at the airport pub and how much those things are in the toilets

Posted by: bluechalk

Tuesday 19th June, 2012 at 18:32 GMT

i think BAW 767 is referring to the avp and not the airport pub

Posted by: James Christy

Tuesday 19th June, 2012 at 09:16 GMT

BAW767 mentions that it costs �3.00 per hour to view at the Airport Pub. This is not completely true. It costs �3.00 to park at the Airport Pub but �2.00 can be recovered over the bar. Making it just �1.00 to view for an hour

Posted by: BAW767

Wednesday 11th April, 2012 at 13:51 GMT

has anyone forgot to mention the fact that the aviation viewing park is 3 pounds an hour

Posted by: zaher khan

Saturday 7th April, 2012 at 14:30 GMT

Please can someone give me the post code (for GPS navigation) for Spot D?

Posted by: Tilly

Friday 6th April, 2012 at 11:46 GMT

We plan to visit the airport tomorrow (Easter Saturday). Can anybody tell me the best time to see the most air traffic please?
Many thanks

Posted by: 23L

Thursday 5th April, 2012 at 09:12 GMT

New fencing has been installed at the AVP. Can anyone tell me if this an obstruction to getting good photographs from the large mound. Thanks.

Posted by: nick

Sunday 25th March, 2012 at 22:58 GMT

Love this site , thanks for all the advice.I will be coming from London on April 7th and hope to visit a few spots.

Posted by: Janine

Wednesday 21st March, 2012 at 19:20 GMT

Hello,

I am trying to get some video footage of a plane either landing or taking off. Where is the best place to do this and are there buses/trains to get me there.

Posted by: Mark in Wigan

Friday 16th March, 2012 at 10:02 GMT

Peter Spilsbury,about your query.There is no charge if you arrive by bus,on foot or bicycle,not sure about motorcycles.I'm sure someone can correct that if I'm wrong.Personally,I park on Old Wilmslow Rd near the Romper pub and walk.It's only a short walk and saves �12 if you're there as long as most enthusiasts,better in my pocket than theirs for the sake of a bit of shoe leather.All the best to fellow Aviation enthusiasts :-)

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Guide to Manchester Airport

Radio Frequencies

Links

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Manchester Airport Weather

Movements

May 2013

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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