Ciudad Real Airport (CQM/LERL) is located halfway between the cities of Ciudad Real and Puertollano, in the La Mancha region of Spain. It was opened in 2008 and, after four years of operation, it was closed following its bankruptcy. Under a new ownership, it was reopened in 2019, and now it houses executive aviation flights, storage and recycling movements. Also some cargo flights operated lately, but biggest part is the storage/scrap traffic. Latest stored airliner were/are: Surinam Airways A343, Virgin Atlantic B744, Vueling A320, … In order to get to know the most recent movements at CQM feel free to check out THIS local website.
In summer season when fires break out in the Spanish south, the airport is home to firefighter aircraft sometimes and thus it has also even seen Evergreen’s Supertanker already…

The main access to the airport is located in exit 178 of motorway A-41, that links Ciudad Real and Puertollano. This access is convenient if coming from Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Málaga or Sevilla also. There is also another access from road CM-4111, that links Ciudad Real and Almuradiel via Calzada de Calatrava. This access would be convenient if coming from Granada or Jaén.

• Ciudad Real taxis can be contacted through the following number: +34 926 21 30 40
• A private transfer can be arranged through: +34 926 100 529 (WhatsApp number: +34 697 173 107)
• Puertollano taxis can be contacted here: +34 926 42 45 19

Written by Severin Hackenberger in cooperation with Alberto Calcerrada, Alejandro Martín, Carlos Romero Cerro,  Juan Manuel Gibaja, Jesús and Antonio (all 6 are locals). Last Update: August 2020

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
10/28	4000m x 60m (13,123ft x196 ft.)
Terminals	no regular passenger traffic, so no “real” terminal here.
Spotting Information
Ladder	A ladder could be necessary at some points, but could be discouraged by security, and dangerous if used on the high-speed railway fence.
Car/Public Transport	A car would be highly recommended as public transport is very poor.
Restrooms	A restroom would be available only in the nearby villages of Cañada and Villar.
Drinks/Food	The bar and restaurants around would be: Teleclub (Cañada de Calatrava), Bar el Titi (Ballesteros de Calatrava), Mesón Braulio (Corral de Calatrava) and Restaurante El Bosque (Corral de Calatrava). If you prefer a shop, you can find Tienda de la Margarita in Ballesteros and Alimentación Rivas in Corral.
Hotels	No “spotting hotels” around here at all – closest accommodations would be: Centro Ornitológico El Primillar (Cañada de Calatrava) For hotels, one should stay in the cities of Ciudad Real, Puertollano, Miguelturra or Almagro.
Season	For spotting private aviation, best season would be around winter, as it is open hunting season, the main attraction for wealthy flyers. Also, summer season can be too hot, and precautions should be taken if spotting in the warmest hours of the day.
Security	You may be approached if you stand a lot at the fence as security can be suspicious. Otherwise spotting is fine here.
Runway Usage
10/28	Totally depends on the wind and the aircraft’s origin due to little traffic and wind here.

	Spot #1 – Unused road – Apron
WHERE	This is the airport’s main spot as it offers the best view. It is accesible from the roundabout in the southwest as you only have to pass the factory on your right then and follow the road to the bridge/fence, where you can search your favourite position.
WHAT	Good view onto the apron and runway 10 Arrivals/Line-Ups.
TIME	Best in the evening.
MISC.	Heat haze can become a problem. Closest facilities are inside the terminal. Ladder recommended if you go to the fence.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

	Spot #2 – Fence West – 10 Arrivals + 28 Departures + Apron
WHERE	This spot is located just a bit south of spot #1/the bridge and east of the “Cañada de Calatrava railway station”. Just cross the bridge fully and once you reach the street blockades, turn right to the south. Then just search your favourite position along the fence which runs all along the apron there nicely…
WHAT	View onto the apron and heavy 28 departures as well as 10 Arrivals.
TIME	Runway: In the late evening or early morning. Apron: Afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	Be aware of any passing trains, and especially, never cross the fence into the high-speed railway. Heat haze can become a big problem. Closest facilities are inside the terminal. Ladder not needed, you are a bit elevated at some spots and can also shoot thru the mesh.
FOCAL LENGTH	30-200mm A333 in front = 55mm / B747 storage row = 170mm

CQM-Spot2

CQM-Spot2

CQM-Spot2

CQM-Spot2

	Spot #3 – Fence South – Runway 10/28
WHERE	This spot is no exact location, rather all along the fence south of the runway. It can be accessed best from a roundabout close/northwest to the village of Villar del Pozo. Take the access road to the gate/fence from there and then search your favourite position along the fence according to your favourite angle/moment you wanna shoot… Not reachable by public transport, car can be parked easily by the roadsdie somewhere.
WHAT	Spot offers good views of movements on the 10/28 runway – depending on your exact position you cna actually capture everything here along the fence. If a maintenance zone / boneyard is created in the future according to the original plans, it will also provide a good view from here.
TIME	In winter all day in summer only later morning till later afternoon.
MISC.	Ladder recommended if you wanna avoid dark corners and the fence in the picture. Heat haze can be a big problem in summer. Nothing around, take everything you need with you!
FOCAL LENGTH	50-300mm

Access from the mentioned roundabout looks like this:

Depending on your exact position along the fence, the angle/view can look different…
Example picture can be found HERE and an example video looks like the one below:

	Spot #4 – Fence North – Terminal apron
WHERE	This spot is pretty easy to find and reach as it is just east of the terminal along the perimeter fence there. Easily reachable by public transport (bus) and car, which can be parked nearby there easily. Then just search your favourite position along the fence.
WHAT	Main apron in front of terminal
TIME	In the early morning or later evening is the best – depending on the aircraft’s position.
MISC.	Ladder recommended. Heat haze can become a problem. All you need in the nearby terminal, which is also nicely reachable by bus.
FOCAL LENGTH	XXX

CQM-Spot4

	Spot #5 – Cargo – Terminal apron
WHERE	The cargo complex is just a bit further to the east from the pax terminal. There is a small dirt road which leads to this location. Just walk along the street to find the preferred angle.
WHAT	Main apron in front of terminal
TIME	In the early morning or later evening is the best – depending on the aircraft’s position.
MISC.	Ladder recommended. Heat haze can become a problem. All you need in the nearby terminal, which is also nicely reachable by bus.
FOCAL LENGTH	XXX

CQM-Spot5

CQM-Spot5