Islamabad Intl. Airport - Spotting Guide

Islamabad Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide

September 15, 2020 - last modified on December 7, 2023

Islamabad International Airport (ISB / OPIS) is situated approximately 15-20 kilometres from the actual city. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan back on May 1st 2018 and commenced regular operations from May 3rd 2018, replacing the former defunct airport of Islamabad/Rawalpindi which is now operating as a fully fledged Air Force base. Around 9 million passengers travel through this airport per annum. It is served by 2 runways (12000ft in length). RWY28L/10R is the primary runway and is capable to handle up to Airbus A380 while the secondary runway (28R/10L) can only handle aircraft up to the Boeing 777 standards. It is served by a variety of airlines, most of which are from the Middle East.

Written by Baqir KAZMI (Plane Spotters Pakistan, PSPK member). Last update August 2020

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
28L/10R	3,657m (12,000ft) – Asphalt
28R/10L	3,657m (12,000ft) – Asphalt
Terminal	One terminal handling all flights
Spotting Information
Ladder	Strictly not allowed.
Car/Public Transport	Easy access in cars and public transport but recommended that you not be seen in by security.
Restrooms	Available at the airport only.
Drinks/Food	Available at the airport only.
Hotels	All hotels are mostly located in Islamabad town.
Season	Most preferred time of the year is February to April. The smog/haze is relatively lower than the other months.
Security	+++ SPOTTING IS AT YOUR OWN RISK IN PAKISTAN +++ Spotting in Pakistan is neither supported or understood or tolerated. Especially taking pictures evincing airport buildings or facilities will may cause problems and punishments (which can range from a check by police to imprisonment in worst case) by the police. We will not be liable for any inconveniences with local authorities. Spotting at Islamabad International Airport ISB is at your own risk. Keep a low profile wherever you are. Spotterguide recommend you to get in touch with the locals by using their following email: pspk.media@gmail.com
Runway Usage
28L/10R	RWY28L/10R is the primary runway. It can handle widebodies such as the Airbus A380. It is also the runway in use for most of the movement in and out of OPIS. From May to August 10R is mostly active for landings and takeoffs while the rest of year 28L is being used.
28R/10L	RWY28R/10L is the secondary runway and it is mostly used by GA aircraft. Runway 28R is code D (777, 747 etc).

	Spot #1 – Airport Avenue Highway
WHERE	The Airport Avenue Highway is a decent spot to spot the 28L/R arrivals or the 10L/R departures from OPIS. Make a left before the checkpost while coming in via Kashmir Highway. You can scale up and down the highway to get different angles.

WHAT	The Airport Avenue Highway is a really good spot. It offers a panoramic view of the 28L/R approach.

TIME	Best light conditions range from early morning until 11am in the summers.

MISC.	You must carry essential items such as food and water since the area is mostly uninhabited.

FOCAL LENGTH	Runway 10R departure: 150-250mm Runway 28L arrival: 120-170mm

	Spot #2 – Level 3 Drop Lane
WHERE	The drop lane on level 3 is a fast lane to drop off departing pax. You can park in the parking lot and use the escalator stairs to go upto level 3.

WHAT	This spot offers the view of taxiway K,F,G and H along with the Rwy28L and Rwy28R.

TIME	Best light conditions range from early morning uptil 11am in the summers.

MISC.	There is an Airport Security Force (ASF) installment right infront of the drop lane therefore it is not recommended to pull out your camera without a spotting approval. But the ASF personnel usually let the people record videos from their mobile phones.

FOCAL LENGTH	100mm-150mm if using a DSLR camera.

	Spot #3 – ATR Gate
WHERE	The ATR Gate is a prime spotting location at OPIS. It is located at the ground level next to the ASF cafeteria.

WHAT	You can catch the action live from the fence with the aircraft just 40-50 meters away from you. This side offers an absolute stunning view of the ATR stands and the narrowbody gates. You can also see the newly constructed PIA narrowbody hangar from here as well. However, the hangar is rarely seen in action.

TIME	Best light conditions range from early morning uptil 1pm during the winters.

MISC.	The ATR Gate is not accessible without the spotting approval issued by ASF. However, if you manage to gain access then this is as best as it gets at OPIS. There is a cafeteria right next to the fence and an open dine-in area as well. You can spot and have some snacks at the same time!

FOCAL LENGTH	100mm for the aircraft parked at the gate and around 250-300mm for the aircraft taxiing on the taxiway.

	Spot #4 – Thalian Village
WHERE	Thalian Village is a good location to spot 28L arrivals later in the day. It is located on the left shoulder of the runway. Take a right from the Airport Avenue Highway and then take a left from the PSO fuel farm. Follow the road along the fence and eventually you’ll end up at the village.

WHAT	Great for spotting 28L arrivals especially during the winters.

TIME	12PM till 5PM during the summers. The light is favourable most of the day from here during the winters.

MISC.	This spot is also not recommended without first the spotting approval since there are watch towers along the fence which may spot you and cause some trouble.The locals are mostly shepherds and are very warm welcoming and hospitable!

FOCAL LENGTH	120mm-130mm for widebody aircraft and 160mm-180mm for narrow body.