Stavanger-Sola Airport (IATA: SVG / ICAO: ENZV) is an international as well as regional airport located 11km south of the city. It’s Norway third busiest airport and well-known for the offshore North Sea Oil installations which means lots of Bristow helicopters. As well, the Royal Norwegian Air Force operates form the airport with Sea King Seach and Resue teams. In 2025 the airport welcomed almost 4 Mio passengers.

In addition to the helicopters, we can add the following airlines Norwegian, Wideroe, SAS, Wizz Air, KLM, Loganair and Danish Air Transport. Swiftair Cargo, Lufthansa cargo and DHL cargo operates flights with different aircraft.

North of the airport you can also find the Flyhistorisk Museum Sola featuring a Brathens DC6 and many more. We cannot provide any pictures yet; if you can do so, please get in touch with us: support@spotterguide.net

Written by Paul Denton. Oskar and Robert Brooks. Last change: June 2026, Spot 6 added

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
18/36	2,556m (8,386ft) – Asphalt
11/29	2,449m (8,035ft) – Asphalt
Terminals	There is a schedule flight terminal and a special one for the helicopter flights..
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed.
Car/Public Transport	Car is not really needed as all spots are in walking distance to the terminal.
Restrooms	Nothing at the spots but available at the airport terminal.
Drinks/Food	Closest facilities are in the terminal.
Hotels	There are a couple of hotels next to the terminal but non with a special sight.
Season	Best time is between July and September when you can expect a cool temperature and limited rainfall.
Runway Usage
18/36	Major runway but nothing special, depends on the wind.
11/29	Runway 11 mostly used by helicopters arrivals and departures. Rwy 29 rarely used.

	Spot #1 – Oil Rig Helicopters shuttle
WHERE	Drive towards the airport, pass the first roundabout continue straight until you reach the second one, turn right. You’ll be on the road which drives you next to the helicopters of Bristow and CHC. Stops where you can find gaps, see on map.
WHAT	Only the Bristow & CHC helicopters shuttles on ramp.
TIME	All day, depends how they are parked however keep in mind on a sunny day, it’s backlight therefore end day is the best.
MISC.	We do not recommand you to stay here long time, just take pictures of what’s on the ramp and leave. Shot through the fence.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-200mm

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	Spot #2 – Observation Deck
WHERE	From spot 1, exit the airport and drive direction north. You’ll notice another roundabout turn right and take the road until the end you’ll notice an observation deck on your right side.
WHAT	Arrivals & departures rwy18 as well as taxi shots. The sight on the runway is partially blocked by a new building and 18 touch down shots are not possible anymore (see photo of the SAS CRJ) but side on shots are still fine.
TIME	Afternoon, from 13:00 until sunset. Be aware of heat distortion on the runway!
MISC.	Nothing nearby so bring with you what you need however you can take great pictures on top of the observation deck and enjoy a picnic.
FOCAL LENGTH	Taxiway: Saab 340 = 90mm / B734 = 52mm Runway: B734 = 90mm / ATP = 185mm

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	Spot #3 – General Aviation
WHERE	From spot 2, drive on the north road next to the fence until the end. On your right side you’ll notice some parking spaces which face directly towards the General Aviation ramp.
WHAT	Only General Aviation and helicopters parked.
TIME	Afternoon, from 13:00 until sunset.
MISC.	We do not recommand you to stay here long time, just take pictures of what’s on the ramp and leave. Shot through the fence.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-200MM

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	Spot #4 – Hill – 18 movements
WHERE	There is a hill next to a company called “Atea”. The building is at the end of Sentrumsvegen which is a dead end road  next to the threshold of runway 18. Parking is possible by the roadside. Once there climb on the hill to get a fantastic view.
WHAT	All 18 movments.
TIME	From sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Be aware this might be private property so better to visit this place on weekends when there is nobody in the office building.
FOCAL LENGTH	Unknown

No photos available.

	Spot #5 – Solasandbane – 11 arrivals, 29 departures
WHERE	The “Solasandbane” at the beginning of Runway 11 west of the airport dircetly at the waterfront. Car parking is possible just off Regestrandveien a little to the South. Walking from the airport terminal in about 20 minutes, entirely on footpaths. There are benches at the spot to sit on and watch helicopters approaching. The spot is all along the road so watch out for the preferred angle.
WHAT	Mostly helicopters arriving on Runway 11, and departing Runway 29, distant views of the ramps, but will most likely be very hazy. You may prefer to stand a little South on the footpath alongside the road (separated with a metal barrier) for a less underside shot.
TIME	All day long as you can position yourself on the north and south side of the runway.
MISC.	Benches are available to wait on as the helicopter movements are not continuous. There are toilets available a 10 minute walk directly south at the car parking area, bring your own food and drink though. Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists on the footpath.
FOCAL LENGTH	Depending on where you stand, no more than 200mm is needed for arrival shots; more may be needed for departing helicopters, again, depending on where you choose to stand.

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	Spot #6 – Gravel Road – 36 arrivals and line-ups
WHERE	The location is next to 36 threshold at Kleppvegen. There are two gravel roads that intersect both coming from the main road “Kleppvegen”. There isn’t any public parkings there but fully possible to park in the side of the gravel road, just keep emergency gate clear. Public transport is covered to the spot but it’s not frequently.
WHAT	For 36 line-ups stay at the end of the gravel road at the crash gate (Spot 6A). Possible to stick a lense through the gaps if it isn’t too big. For arrivals on 36 we recommend to stay a bit further up on the sidewalk along the main road “Kleppvegen” (Spot 6B).It is also possible to spot some general aviation planes from a little hangar to the left side of runway 36.
TIME	Arrivals all day long as you can position yourself on the north and south side of the runway, except noon when the sun is above the runway axis. Line-ups are backlit in the morning hours. Be aware of heat distortion for ground photos.
MISC.	Theres no available toilet in the area as im aware of and its recommended to take with you food and drinks if you plan to stay at the spot for a long time.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

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