With almost 8 mil passengers in 2022, the international airport of Bristol (IATA: BRS; ICAO: EGGD) is the eight busiest airport of the United Kingdom. The airport is a focus city for easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI, thus they are responsible for the biggest amount of moments. Most destinations are within the European leisure market. The airport has one of the shortest international airport runways in the country at just 2,011 m in length, with runway 27 having a threshold displacement of 140 metres. Because of this situation, the traffic is dominated by Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family aircraft, but TUI use their 787 from time to time. Besides the common movements you will see a good amount of General Aviation traffic too.

More plane spotting infos for Bristol can be found at bristolairportspotting.co.uk

Written by Simon Fewkes. Last Update: August 2023

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
09/27	2.011m (6598ft)
Terminals	One Terminal – used by all airlines
Spotting Information
Ladder	Needed for spots 1 and 2. Don´t lean against the fences as they have motion sensors on them.
Car/Public Transport	Recommend to reach the locations. Spot 2 and 4 are in walking distance from the terminal but still al long walk.
Drinks/Food	Drinks/food can be purchased in the terminal or at The Flight Lounge cafe. Otherwise there is nothing close.
Hotels	Hampton by Hilton on the airport complex, but without an airport view. Premier Inn and Holiday Inn a short drive away.
Season	Summers can be hot and hazy with the heat off the runway. Winter gives great light but can be cold, wet and windy
Security	Security are never an issue and welcome spotters, just dont lean against the fences as they have motion sensors on them.
Runway Usage
09/27	Used in both directions, depends on the wind

	Spot#1 – Winters Lane South – 09 arrivals and departures, 27 arrivals and departures
WHERE	The spot is located on Winters Lane, the perimeter track around the runway. Accessible by car only from the terminal via Downside Rd. Parking is available as marked on the map, next to a field.
WHAT	Almost all movements. Arrivals and departures on 09. 27 departures and almost all 27 arrivals will pass by as they need the full runway for the roll out.
TIME	Winter all day long. Backlit in the summer mornings and evenings. Use the northern spot during this period.
MISC.	Dedicated parking, no food/drink or toilets, Ladder required to get photos above the fence.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-100mm

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	Spot#2 – Winters Lane North – Taxiway
WHERE	The spot is located on the opposite side of the previous location at Winters Lane, the perimeter track around the runway. Accessible by car only from the terminal via Downside Rd. Stop next to the crash gate and park by the road side without blocking the gate. By foot its a long walk from the terminal. .
WHAT	Best for planes taxiing close by the fence to and from the terminal, which are usually all movements.
TIME	Only usable in the summer mornings and evenings.
MISC.	Dedicated parking, no food/drink or toilets. Ladder required to get photos above the fence or can shoot through gap in gate
FOCAL LENGTH	18-55mm

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	Spot #3 – Terminal Roof Terrace – 27 arrivals and departures, apron east
WHERE	The terrace is at the airport terminal and airside, so you need a valid boarding pass to access it. The location is in the main terminal in departures hall. You follow signs for Aspire lounge and it is at the top of the stairs at the far side of the terminal in the departures area on the right through a glass door. It is marked roof terrace on this map on the mezzanine floor. Check out the airport map.
WHAT	View is limited to the east side so best for 27 arrivals and departures and aircraft parked on the East apron.
TIME	Usually backlit all day long and only usable during the summer months in the morning and evening hours.
MISC.	Food/drink, toilets in the terminal.
FOCAL LENGTH	28-200mm

	Spot #4 – Felton Common – 27 arrivals
WHERE	This spot is on a huge public land known as Felton Common, at the 27 approach. accessible by car where you can park by the church and walk to the common.
WHAT	Perfect for 27 landings. Line-ups on 27 can be seen but sight is blocked by the airport fence and bushes. 09 departures are already too high at this point.
TIME	Usually all day long from the south side. In the summer morning and evening hours you can shot from the north to avoid backlit.
MISC.	Dedeicated parking by the church but no food/drink/toilets
FOCAL LENGTH	28-200mm

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	Spot #5 – Flying Lounge Restaurant – Ramps
WHERE	Located on the southside of Bristol Airport at the fence of the access road to the Silverzone car park, next to the nearby Flying Lounge Restaurant. Parking is available free of charge for 60 minutes at the official “Waiting Zone” lot. If you plan to stay longer you can park for free at the Flying Club Restaurant if you buy something.
WHAT	Mainly for GA apron and Dyson hangar. Runway in the distance.
TIME	Depends on how the planes are parked but usually from morning until afternoon.
MISC.	Food/drinks and restrooms are available at the restaurant. Ladder is needed or you can put camera through gaps in gates as shown in the photos.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-300mm

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