Vigo Peinador Airport - Spotting Guide

Vigo Peinador Airport – Spotting Guide

February 26, 2023 - last modified on September 22, 2024

Vigo Peinador Airport (VGO/LEVX) lies in the mountains above the town of Vigo approximately 10 km from the city centre. With its location in the mountains Vigo airport has some nice backdrops, especially at #1.

Traffic mainly consists of the typical airlines on Spanish reginal airports in form of Iberia A32X, Vueling A320, Air Europa B737-800 and E195. But in addition, it also has regular flights with the rarer Air Nostrum CRJ 200 and Binter E295. Vigo is the biggest fishing port in the world and also has a sizable automotive industry, so it also gets regular cargo flights and business jet traffic. There is a Cessna 421 on display in the roundabout outside the airport entrance.

Written by Mike Lutzenberger and Sergio Cambronero. Last Change: August 2024 – Spot 1-3

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
01/19	2,400m Asphalt
Terminals	One terminal for all movements
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed.
Car/Public Transport	Bus L9a connect Vigo airport with the city centre and the Urzaiz train station in about 30 minutes. Car recommended for #1. Buses stop nearby but they are very infrequent. #2 Can be reached by walk from the terminal in a few minutes and bus L9a stops right at the spot.
Drinks/Food	Apart from the airport Terminal there are a few cafes and restaurants near #2
Hotels	There are a few hotels in Peinador near #2 and on the road into town.
Season	Year round though summer will have a bit more traffic.
Security	Generally, no issues with security but probably better to keep a low profile at #1.- #2 is frequently visited by local spotters and locals to watch planes
Runway Usage
01/19	Depends on the wind. Used in both directions.

	Spot #1 – N555 North – Runway 19
WHERE	Leaving the airport take the N555 North which is running past the end of runway 19. At the bend just before reaching #1 there are a few parking spaces outside a house on the side of the road. It’s less than 2 minutes’ walk to the spot. Parking directly at the spot is probably not recommended as the sharp pavement drop may damage your car.

WHAT	Aircraft on the landing and taking off on runway 19. Aircraft taxy back on the runway and turn at the end. Nice backdrop with the mountains behind.

TIME	Afternoon best for runway shots. Aircraft turning at the runway end from midday.

MISC.	No ladder needed as the ground is slightly higher and there are small mounds so you can shot over the fence. Be aware that the grass and bushes airside/inside the perimeter fence are growing, but are not regularly cut. So your view might be blocked from time to time.

FOCAL LENGTH	70-100mm for A320 and similar depending on angle

	Spot #2 – Airport lookout/Bus stop – Apron + 01 Line-Ups and arrivals
WHERE	From the roundabout with the Cessna 421 outside the terminal take the exit closest to the terminal until you reach a big gravel space on your left. It is a 2-minute drive and there is plenty of free parking. People use this area to wait when picking up people from the airport. It is about 5-minute walk form the terminal.t There is also a bus stop here a few meters down south and another nearby parking spot. From there you can also take some decent pictures of the line-up and aircraft on the approach path.

WHAT	Business jets are parked closest to this spot, passenger aircraft taxing to stand and cargo aircraft parked at the far end of the apron. Plus from the bus stop a bit south you can also see aircraft lining up and arriving onto runway 01 (no touchdowns though!).

TIME	Mid-morning to mid-afternoon in the summer, almost all day in winter

MISC.	There is a double fence on this spot. However, the first fence has wide gaps and is on a concrete base which you can climb on in the corner enabling you shot over the second fence. Photos of aircraft closer to the fence may have buildings in the foreground of the shot.

FOCAL LENGTH	60-320mm Apron: Gulfstream 60mm / Saab 290mm Line-Up/Arrivals: 100-150mm for line-up B738/E295

Northern option – Airport Lookout:

Southern option – Bus stop/Parking:

	Spot #3 – Hill – All movements
WHERE	The location is on the opposite side of the terminal, on a hill, next to a horse ranch. It’s a bit hard to find but from the terminal drive southwards, pass spot 2 and take the next left into the Estrada Peinador. After you have passed the approach path of runway 01, turn left and drive on a dirt road along the perimeter fence until you have reach the end. From the hill you have a fantastic view of the runway and terminal ramp.

WHAT	You can photograph nearly all movements, even the ramp.

TIME	From sunrise until noon all year long.

MISC.	Nothing nearby. Ladder not needed as the position is elevated and you can clear the view nicely and vary the angle by walking up/down the hill. The ramp on the other side of the runway will be hazy in summer.

FOCAL LENGTH	50-200mm CRJ1000 or A20N = 105mm