Toulouse Francazal Airport (LFBF) is located at 20 minutes south from Toulouse Blagnac. The airport use to be partially an Air Force Base (BA 101) but it was closed on the January 3rd 2011. It does not have regular traffic however it often offers some interesting movements for ATR maintenance, some aircraft for storage and some military traffic for parachuting exercise. Recently they opened a paint shop as well as the new base for the Airbus Bélouga program named Airbus Transport International which consist of the retirement of the A300 version to be used for charter.

Mainly Airbus and ATR traffic from TLS are seen as well as French AF traffic such as A400M, Casa and C130. ATI A300 Beluga can be also seen as well as foreign aircraft for maintenance, storage or paint.

Written by Ewenn Guillerm. Last Update: May 2023

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
11/29	1,800m (5,906ft)
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not really needed but helpful at Spot 3 & 5.
Car/Public Transport	A car is definitely needed however there are public transports available to reach most of locations (Bus L58+L85 for spots 1 + 2 and Bus L11 for spot 3, 4 & 5).
Drinks/Food	No shops nearby.
Hotels	No spotter hotels around, sleep at Blagnac Airport.
Season	Less Airbus/ATR flights during weekends/holidays.
Security	This is an active French air base. Keep away from the fences, do not use ladders and radio scanners at all. If the police approaches you: explain what you are doing and cooperate. If they send you away, just leave… This notice mainly concerns the red areas noted in red.
Runway Usage
General Info	Civilian: They mostly use the exact same runways as Blagnac. Military: They tend to use the suitable runway so expect a bit of a lottery.

	Spot #1 – Control Tower
WHERE	The spotting location is located right next to the control tower at the entrance gate of the airport. By car just follow the airport signs that will direct you at the control tower. There are three parking locations where you can park your car as mentioned on the map.
WHAT	Ramp pictures of storage aircraft.
TIME	All day (depends on how the aircraft are parked however most of the time between 12h to 17h.
MISC.	You shot through the fence, nothing nearby and don’t stay long. Just make the pictures and leave. Do not use any ladder or you will be kicked out by the security service.
FOCAL LENGTH	B738 + ATR = 210mm

LFBF-SPOT1

LFBF-SPOT1

LFBF-SPOT1

	Spot #2 – Route de Seysses
WHERE	The spotting location is located near the control tower next to the road. By car just follow the airport signs that will direct you at the airport entrance. Park your car where you find any availability at the airport parking area. There are three parking locations where you can park your car as mentioned on the map. Then walk back to the main road and walk on the side way until you reach your photography spot (you can refer to the map).
WHAT	Arrivals rwy29 or rwy11 take-off (my be a bit high).
TIME	Sumer: Between 13:00 to 19:00. Winter: Between 10:00 to sunset.
MISC.	Nothing nearby, bring with you what you need and be careful of the road.
FOCAL LENGTH	A320 = 70mm / A321 = 105mm & ATR 130mm

LFBF-SPOT2

LFBF-SPOT2

LFBF-SPOT2

	Spot #3 – Dead End Afternoon or Cimetière de Bachecame
WHERE	The spot is located near the Cimetière de Bachecame. Follow the sign of the Cimetière that will lead you to a dead end on the Rue Henry Gladi. Park your car at the dead end or at the cimetière. You can spot from both parking positions.
WHAT	Runway 11 movements from 3A and take-off rwy29 from 3B.
TIME	Sumer: Between 13:00 to 19:00. Winter: Between 10:00 to sunset.
MISC.	A carrefour is located near the spot and can be reached by foot. Should you spot from the Dead End Rd, a small ladder is recommended to be above the fence.
FOCAL LENGTH	Casa + A320 = 210mm

3A – Cimetière – Take-off rwy29

LFBF-SPOT3

3B – Dead End – Ground movements & arrivals rwy11

LFBF-SPOT3B

	Spot #4 – Route de Toulouse
WHERE	This spot is located near a main road called Rte de Toulouse. While driving on this road you will notice a bakery next to the road as mentioned on the map. Park your car in this area and whether you can make some pictures from here or cross the street and walk along the airport fence to find a suitable location.
WHAT	This spot is located near a main road called Rte de Toulouse. Mostly rwy11 pictures or you can try take-off rwy29 face to face.
TIME	Sumer: Between 13:00 to 19:00. Winter: Between 10:00 to sunset.
MISC.	A bakery is located at the spot.
FOCAL LENGTH	B737, E170 + ATR = 70mm

LFBF-SPOT4

LFBF-SPOT4

LFBF-SPOT4

	Spot #5 – Dead End 2
WHERE	This spot is located at the north side of the airport. From spot 4 follow the same road Rte de Toulouse, pass by the large garage building on your right side and turn on the right street just after the building. You will be driving on Chem. des Bourdettes until the end take a right turn until the dead end. Park your car this dead end.
WHAT	Runway 11 movements and possible rwy29 take off.
TIME	Sumer: Between Sunrise until 11:00. Winter: Backlight
MISC.	Nothing nearby, bring with you what you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	A400M = 70mm / A320 = 140mm & ATR = 210mm

LFBF-SPOT5

LFBF-SPOT5

LFBF-SPOT5