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March 18, 2019Athens Eleftherios Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on July 12, 2024
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH/LGAV) is the busiest airport in Greece. Operations began in March 2001, when it replaced Athens (Ellinikon) International Airport. In 2022, more than to 22 million passengers passed through the airport. It is the main hub and base for the greek carriers Aegean, Olympic Air and Sky Expess. Their regional ATR42/72 aircraft can be spotted easily.
Currently, the most exotic international visitor is Scoot, but airport also sees traffic from North America (Delta, United, American, Air Canada) and the Middle East (Turkish, ElAl, Qatar, Etihad and Emirates). ATH is also a major cargo hub: Star Air, Swift Air, Bluebird Nordic and ASL Airlines have several flights a week. There are also many business jets flights during the summer season. And even occasionally military and government movements can be observed.
Written by Julian Mittnacht, Stathis Panagiotopoulos, Kostas Marmarelis, Markus Mainka and Jim Roos. Last change: June 2023 (All spots checked)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 03L/21R | 3,800 m (12,467 ft) |
| 03R/21L | 4,000 m (13,123 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Main Terminal | all mainline Schengen and Non-Schengen flights |
| Satellite Terminal | used by low-cost and charter carriers |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not required at any of the locations and not really recommend to use! |
| Car/Public Transport | Not required for the first three spots but for all other it’s absolutely necessary. Spot 7 is in walking distance to the metro station. Keep in mind when using a car to get around, some spots are accessible via bumpy dirt roads only! Especially if you book a rental car select a good package with insurance that cover glass/tires etc. damages. A SUV would be perfect but a “normal” car can handle the dirt roads too. |
| Drinks/Food | Almost almost all spots are outside in the fields and there is nothing available. So be prepared before you go there! The first three spots are next to the terminal where you find food and beverages. |
| Hotels | The Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel, which is the only hotel right at the airport, is located across from the entrance to the main terminal between the short-term parking lots P1 and P2. The rooms om the top floor provide a good view on runway 03L/21R, however, as the runway is quite far away, taking photos is difficult. Otherwise there are no hotels close to the airport. But there are several AirBnB possibilities in the nearby villages. |
| Season | Nice place all year with more flights during the summer holiday season. But it can get very hot then and it is very likely you have to deal with heat haze. |
| Security | Plane spotting is generally tolerated by the authorities but don’t use a ladder and linger at the perimeter fence. As always, when being approached by police or security, stay calm and be cooperative. The spots around the airport at the fields are the safest option and you don’t have problems here. Keep a low profile when spotting military flights, as this could raise some unwanted attention by security and law enforcement. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | In general one runway is active for arrivals and one for departures. Flights from Israel tends to use 03R/21L for arrivals as it is closer to the terminal. At the beginning of June there are school exams taking place and the runway pattern changes as follow: From morning till 12:00 in noon landings go to 03R and take offs from 03L. Than, they change it to the regular format from 12:00 to 15:00 (landings go to 03L and take offs from 03R) and than another change from 15:00 to 18:00 (landings on 03R and take offs from 03L). |
| 03L/21R | Configuration throughout the year except June during school exams: 03L Ops: 07:00-15:00/18:00-23.00 for arrivals and 15:00-18.00/23:00-07:00 for departures 21R Ops: used landings only. Rarely for takeoff if the RW 21L is out of service due to works |
| 03R/21L | Configuration throughout the year except June during school exams: 03R Ops: 15:00-18.00/23:00-07:00 for arrivals and 07:00-15:00/18:00-23.00 for departures. 21L Ops: used mainly for takeoffs except ElAl arrivals |
Terminal Departure Level - Movements Rwy 03R/21L and Taxiways C & D
| WHERE | This spot is located airside after security at the gates of the departure level of the main terminal. Just look out for your preferred position. All windows have tinted glass |
| WHAT | Movements on runway 03R/21L as well as taxiways C & D. |
| TIME | From around afternoon until sunset in the summer. Heat haze can be an issue during this time. In winter the sun doesn’t really come over. |
| MISC. | All you need is in the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm (140mm for 767-300 on taxiway) |
Bridge to/from Metro Station - 03L/21R and Taxiways A & B
| WHERE | This spot is on the end of a bridge that connects the terminal, the metro station and the economy parking lot. You can either stay at the end of it next tot the stairs/escalator or you go down to the parking lot. In the lot feel free to position you anywhere, depends on the various 03L take off rolls. |
| WHAT | From the bridge: Movements on runway 03L/21R and taxiways A & B, but best for arrivals on 21R. Smaller aircraft landing on 03L might vacate the runway before a decent shot is possible. Smaller aircraft departing from 03L will be already fairly high in climb. ! It is quite difficult to get a clean shot regardless the runway configuration as dozens of lamp post from the parking lot in front of you disturbing your view. From the parking lot: only 03L departures are possible from here. Be aware of the situation that some flights rotate too early or too late. |
| TIME | From sunrise until (early) noon all year long. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is within the terminal (10 minutes walk). In the summer, heat haze is a big issue! Take care where you stand as there are some CCTV cameras around. When a Greece military aircraft is landing there can be additional security staff present. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-500mm 440mm for EK 777 landing on 21R |
Taken from the Bridge:
Taken from the Parking:
Road Bridge - 03L departures
| WHERE | This spot is on the bridge of the main road to the terminals. Park your car at the entrance to the long-term parking (before the bridge) or at the terminal after the bridge. Then walk along the crash barrier towards the fence. Don’t stay too long here as not to attract too much attention, just take your photos trough the fence and go back to your car. |
| WHAT | Parked aircraft on the taxiway or aircraft taking the taxiway towards the terminal as well as some 03L/21R movements. In addition, this is the best spot for the parked B732! |
| TIME | Runway is good all year long from sunrise until early noon. The taxiway to/from the terminal is only good in the early morning hours. |
| MISC. | Don’t stay too long here as not to attract too much attention to the security – you can also stand/hide behind the tree! Nothing around here. Heat haze will be an issue on summer days. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-500mm Taxiing DC10 = 200mm / Parked B732 = 400mm |
Bridge - 03L landing/departures
| WHERE | It’s on a bridge over the access road to the airport. From Attika Avenue with direction to Airport (from the south) or Athen (from the north), take the exit K1 “Local Roads”. No drive up to the bridge that runs over the main road and just park by the roadside. The road is very very calm and there is an extra lane where you can stop. |
| WHAT | From here you can take photos from aircraft in the holding point A1,A2 and taxiways Alpha,Bravo. In additional you can take photos from Aircrafts in short final for landing on 03L RW. |
| TIME | All year long from sunrise until (early) noon for arrivals on 03L. Heat may pop up later in the morning. The holding points can be photograph from early noon until afternoon, especially during the colder months when there is less heat. |
| MISC. | Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. Bushes and trees might disturb the sight for ground photos. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Boeing 777 Emirates 135mm; Antonov 180mm; Dassault Falcon 900B 300mm |
Rental Car - 03L arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located next to a local rental car station on a small road. From the main terminal follow direction Athen, then take exit K1 “Local Roads” and cross the next road. Take the next left and follow it for 200 meters. From the city drive to the airport, take the exit K1 “Local Roads” turn left and cross the bridge (previous spot). Then turn right and take the next left and follow it for 200 meters. Once there park in one of the small farm roads. For taking pictures find a place along the road and spot from one of the fields. |
| WHAT | All arrivals on runway 03L with an almost clear blue sky on the back. |
| TIME | All year long from sunrise until (early) noon. Heat may pop up later in the morning. |
| MISC. | Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Cobalt A319 200mm ;China Airlines A330 120mm ; Olympic Air ATR42 300mm |
Solar Panels - 03L arrivals
| WHERE | Use the same direction as above but do not turn to the first road to the left. Just continue straight on the dirt road for one kilometer. On the left hand you will see photovoltaic panels. There you can stop. |
| WHAT | From here you can see landings on 03L with mountains on the back. Is very good spot for heavy aircraft. Smaller planes get hazy quick. |
| TIME | All year long from sunrise until (early) noon. Heat pop up later in the morning. |
| MISC. | Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | B767 Rouge 210mm (35mm:315mm); A333 Air China:210mm (35mm:315mm); A320 Aegean Airlines 300mm (35mm:450mm); Dash8Q400 Olympic Air 300mm (35mm:450mm) |
Animal Sanctuary - 03L arrivals
| WHERE | From the main terminal follow direction Athen, then take exit K1 “Local Roads”. Turn left at the junction and follow the road for 1.2 km. From the city drive to the airport, take the exit K1 “Local Roads” turn left and cross the bridge (previous spot). Continue for 1.3km. Once arrived you see an abandoned animal sanctuary to your right (A). There are some possibilities to park on the side of the road where you can stay. To get to the alternative position (B) where you have a better angle, pass the animal sanctuary and take the next possibility to the right. Enter the bumpy dirt road and follow it until the next junction. That’s your place to be, park your car at the side of the road and position yourself on the small hill at the junction. You might park the car at A and just walk over to this point.By public transport: The nearest suburban station is the Koropi station 1km from the point and you have to walk up there. |
| WHAT | Aircraft in short final for landing on 03L. |
| TIME | From afternoon until sunset during the summer month. In winter the sun doesn’t really come over. |
| MISC. | Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. Take care of the cultivations and respect the farmers property. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150mm to 250mm Croatia Airlines 200mm; Gulf Air 180mm; Alitalia 210mm |
Pictures from Spot 7A:
Pictures from Spot 7B
Fields - 03L arrivals
| WHERE | Not really easy to find because it is on a farm road between huge fields. Best road option is to access the location via the asphalted road which is marked in green on the map. To get there use a local road that runs parallel to the highway so try to get on this road from spot 7 and then continue on the green marked road. After you see some big greenhouses turn into the farm road and continue till the point. In general you can position yourself anywhere along this dirt road (A). If you wanna get closer you can walk down the road a further bit and turn left into the fields (B). |
| WHAT | Aircraft in short final for landing on 03L with partially mountains on the back of some lower approaches (see Aegean A320) |
| TIME | From afternoon until sunset during the summer month. In winter the sun doesn’t really come over. |
| MISC. | Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. Take care of the cultivations and respect the farmers property. Also take care of the farmers’ dog! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320 = 280mm; ATR42 = 400mm; |
Photos from Spot 8A:
Photos from Spot 8B:
Chapel - 03L departures
| WHERE | The spot itself is next to a small chapel, located between some fields. The best road option is once again to get on the asphalted road (green marked) and continue north-eastwards through the fields. Park your car at the chapel as the road turns bumpy from here. Walk along the farm road and look out for your preferred position. |
| WHAT | Best for 03L departures. The planes rotate differently because of wind speed and shorter take off runs. 21R arrivals can be seen too but we recommend spot 19 because grass, trees, bushes, light poles disturbing the sight. |
| TIME | From afternoon until sunset during the summer month. In winter the sun doesn’t really come over. |
| MISC. | Be aware of light poles along the perimeter fence as they are quite high and will be in every second picture… Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. Take care of the cultivations and respect the farmers property. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400mm ATR72 = 275mm |
Field - 03R arrivals
| WHERE | The spot is along a gravel road that runs almost parallel to the highway to and from the airport. To get there, once again use Exit K1 “local roads” if coming from the city or the airport. Then drive eastwards end turn left into the gravel road when the main road ends. Continue the partially bumpy gravel road and always keep right until the marked position. Park somewhere on the side of the road and don’t block the gravel road as locals pass by. Position yourself somewhere along this road. |
| WHAT | All arrivals on runway 03R with clear blue sky on the back. |
| TIME | From around afternoon until sunset all year long. |
| MISC. | Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. Take care of the cultivations and respect the farmers property. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A332 = 180mm; A21N = 270mm; ATR42 = 430mm |
Ekklisia Panagia Chapel - 03R arrivals
| WHERE | The location is at a chapel called “Ekklisia Panagia”. There are two routes to reach this point. The first and safest route in terms of road conditions is from the city of Markopoulo. From there the distance It is about 5 km but all on asphalt. From the city drive north on the asphalted road which is marked green in the map until you see the church.The second one is shorter but road condition are partially pretty bad. Get out again at K1 “Local Roads” (same as almost all spots before). From there drive eastwards and continue on the small road after the bridge. After you have passed an airport parking company turn right. Drive southwards and take the next left and immediately right. Turn left after you have passed some greenhouses into a bumpy dirt road. Continue there, pass a gravel factory and turn left once again you are back on the asphalted road. Drive northwards till the church. |
| WHAT | All arrivals on runway 03R with clear blue sky on the back. The threshold is very far from here and planes are still high so if you don´t like the angle, use one of the next two locations |
| TIME | From sunrise until (early) noon for arrivals on 03L all year long. Heat isn’t a problem here. |
| MISC. | Nice place to stay with some trees providing shadow. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-300mm ELAL 787 110mm; ELAL 747 105mm |
Marble Rocks - 03R arrivals
| WHERE | To get closer to the runway 03R threshold continue northwards from the chapel on the green marked road. The location is on an area with old marble rocks. It can be spot easily from the road so just turn left when you can see them. Park the car somewhere at the beginning of the area and walk to the end. You can even access it by car via some bumpy farm roads but it is not recommend. |
| WHAT | All arrivals on runway 03R with clear blue sky on the back. |
| TIME | All year long from sunrise until (early) noon. Later on heat haze may pop up a bit. |
| MISC. | Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | ATR42 = 400mm; A21N = 240mm; 788 = 180mm |
Solar Panels - 03R Arrivals
| WHERE | If you like some mountains in your pictures, continue on the road northwards for approximate 400 meters up the hill until to some solar panels. The road conditions are getting pretty worse up there so you might stay at the marble rocks and walk to this point. Otherwise be careful when driving up! |
| WHAT | All arrivals on runway 03R with mountains on the back. |
| TIME | All year long from sunrise until early morning as heat pops up pretty quick because of solar panels in front of the runway. |
| MISC. | Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A20N = 350mm; 77W = 200mm; ATR72 = 430mm |
Olive Tree Hill 03R/21L departures
| WHERE | From the previous point continue on the very hard and bumpy dirt road for about 1.5 km. When you are almost in the middle of the ruwnay leave the car off road and climb up a hill with olive trees. |
| WHAT | Best forf 21L take-offs and suboptimal for 03R take-offs. There is a large hill left from your postion which is blocking the left sight of the runway. Thats why you can´t see the 03R takes from the point of the rotation, just when they are infront of you. Also, if an aircraft taking off from 21L and enters the corridor from your postions in the middle, everything else behind that is not possible to see. Ground pictures are not possible due to high grass and the hill left of you. |
| TIME | All year long from sunrise until early morning as heat pops up pretty quick. |
| MISC. | There is nothing in this area so it is better to have with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm Scoot 135mm; Aegean:300mm; Fedex 215mm |
Artemida Mound - Airport Overview + 03R take-offs and 21L landings
| WHERE | In the town of Artemida first head for its southern part and then make your way to the west until you reach Erasinou road, which leads to the hills surrounding the airport. Outside the town turn left twice when reaching forks in the road. 400m after the second fork you will reach the spot, which offers an unobstructed view of the airport. |
| WHAT | This spot offers a nice airport overview, plus views onto runway 03R take-offs and 21L landings. |
| TIME | All year round from sunrise till early morning as it becomes hazy pretty quick. |
| MISC. | Absolutely nothing here. Take enough water with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400-600mm |
Farm Roads - 21R arrivals
| WHERE | If you are coming from the airport, follow the way whole way to the EXPO area and leave the airport security area. At the junction turn right and continue on the main road until take the second option to turn right into a farm road. Continue there for a 100 meters and stop. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 21R only. |
| TIME | All year long from sunrise until (early) noon. |
| MISC. | Bring everything what you need, especially water as it can get very hot in the summer. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400mm |
Metropolitan Expo Parking - 21R arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located on the circular square just in front of the Metropolitan Expo center entrance, you can park on the side of the road and take photos. Access is via the huge roundabout north of the airport. |
| WHAT | Only 21R arrivals with blue sky on the back. |
| TIME | All year long from sunrise until (early) noon. Later on heat haze may pop up a bit. |
| MISC. | When the Expo center is open for some fair, there is too many people and cars so you can’t sit there and take photos, security guys will probably tell you to go away or call the police (don’t know for sure, never tried to go there when it has fairs). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A321 = 250mm; B734 = 290mm |
Technical Base - 21L/R arrivals. 03R departures, ramp
| WHERE | The location itself is north of the terminals, next to the maintenance hangars. Drive northwards from the terminal and after you have passed the taxiway bridge, turn right to the technical base. Take the next left and stop here by the roadside. This is your place to be. |
| WHAT | 21R arrivals with Ymittos mountain as background. 03R departures and 21L arrivals. Furtermore you have a general view of the ramp where Olympic Air & Sky Express ATRs usually park and also you can see some helicopters parked far from the helipad fence (Helicopters parked exactly in front of the fence cannot be photographed cause the fence obstructs). |
| TIME | 21R from sunrise until (early) noon all year long. 03R/21L movements from the afternoon until sunset. Better to go in the evening because of heat during the day. |
| MISC. | Police rarely comes there to check spotters, although there were two cases they came (after somebody notified them for our presence I suppose). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | HiFly A380 = 250 mm; Scoot B788 = 320 mm; French Bee A333 takeoff = 270mm Parked helicopters 360-400mm |
Olive Tree Grove - 21R Arrivals
| WHERE | Follow the directions to Spot #11, continuing northbound following the bend to the left. At the next junction, make a very sharp right turn to head east and turn left at the next junction heading north. After about 300 metres you’ll arrive at a spot clear of olive trees on the right and park on the side of the road here. |
| WHAT | Arriving traffic on Runway 21R. |
| TIME | From afternoon until sunset during the summer month. In winter the sun doesn’t really come over. |
| MISC. | There are no facilities here so bring what you need. Due to the hot sun it best to stay in your car and get out to take a photo when something arrives. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320: 340mm, Dash8-400: 440mm. |
⚠️ Attention for the point 15 possibility of meeting snakes ⚠️ very hot and desert place and a lot of construction waste on the hill
Location 2 is not good at all; runway is so far that my 500mm lens was insufficient. The runway is being used for landings and heat haze is a big issue. Location 9 is a 5 min walk from Location 2.
In the corner:
Through the fence:
One of good point located in the corner of Factory Outlet near to the fence. If you don’t have a car it will be alternative solution.
Also I took photos through the fence on the round crossroad on parking, but soon arrived police and they told me to leave because it’s restricted area (parking of shopping mall…).
What kind of photos can you take at the corner of Factory Outlet near to the fence?
When i visited LGAV last in 2014 i got everywhere around the terminal (Poimnt No. 9) problems with the police. They told me to leave because it’s not allowed to make photos there. Is this still valid or are police/airport authority meanwhile more friendly to planespotters?
Spotting, in general, is still not easy in Greece, no matter where you are. Especially at airports with military/government movements. We always recommend not to stay too close to the fence and lookout for a photo position less close to the airport boundaries.
-Julian