Dalaman Airport - Spotting Guide

Dalaman Airport – Spotting Guide

August 7, 2018 - last modified on September 8, 2022

Dalaman Airport (IATA: DLM, ICAO: LTBS) is an international airport and in the south-west Turkey. 90 percent of the traffic are seasonal charter flights by the common operators, so it is better to go there during the european holiday season, like Antalya. In 2019, more than 4.5 mio passengers used the airport.

General Information
Security	Dalaman is not only a civil airport but also a military air base. For that reason be very careful walking there. The time I’ve been there I got warned by a military officer but as I continued with taking photos he did no further action. In addition there is a forbidden zone in the east but since it’s not affecting this spotting location. Its up to you if you stay there o not.
Terminal	Two terminals. One for domestic and one for international flights.
Runway	There is one runway 01/19, used in both directions.

	Thermemaris Spa & Thermal Hotel – 01 Arrivals
WHERE	The main spot is just next to the entrance of the Thermemaris Spa & Thermal Hotel. It is only accessable if you are coming from the north on the express way which is leading to the airport. The junction appears shortly after/before the approach path. Drive southwards parallel to the airport perimeter fence until the hotel. Another opportunity is too continue on the road until you reach the beach where you can spot from too but the aircraft are much higher. Take a taxi to get there because there was no public transport.

WHAT	Arrivals RW01. Planes departing RW19 might be too high. You can just walk along the street and find a suitable spot for your photos.

TIME	Sunrise till noon. (Mostly the best time for spotting, as most of the charter traffic arrives in the early morning hours).

MISC.	If you wanna be safe just walk to the beach and you have no problems at all. But don´t move over to the afternoon side as its military zone!

FOCAL LENGTH	90mm for wide bodies (B757), 150mm for narrow bodies (A320 etc.).

Beach Spot:

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