Fort Worth Alliance Airport - Spotting Guide

Fort Worth Alliance Airport – Spotting Guide

July 10, 2021 - last modified on November 30, 2023

Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW/KAFW) is an airfield in the metropolitan area of Dallas-Fort Worth, located 14 miles / 23 km north of Fort Worth downtown. The airport does not offer any scheduled passenger services, but mainly caters to General Aviation, which accounts for about 75% of the annual traffic. It is also the southern regional hub for FedEx and Amazon Prime, and occasionally special cargo charters (e.g. ADB An124) pay a visit. Aircraft maintenance provider FEAM has a station at AFW, which serves customers from all across the globe (e.g. Indian/Saudi Government B777 or Orbis DC10). On a regular basis, AFW is being used by US military aircraft such as fighter jets or Navy C40s for training.

Annually in October, the airport hosts the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, which includes USAF C17, C130 or P3 for example as well as the Blue Angels. For more information, check out the website: https://www.allianceairshow.com/

Written by Severin Hackenberger, Thomas Okaty and Huy Do (Spot1). Last Update: February 2021

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
16L/34R	3353m – 11000ft
16R/34L	3356m – 11010ft
Terminals	There is no civil passenger terminal, only cargo/military/maintenance facilities.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not required and not recommended.
Car/Public Transport	Definitely needed, public transport is not an option.
Drinks/Food	There are a few fast food places at spot #2.
Hotels	Several options available east of spot #2 / I-35W along Westport Pkwy.
Season	As the airport has quite a few cargo operations, we recommend the summer months when the days are longer – but also much hotter often leading to haze.
Security	During our last visit we did not encounter any problems, however, be prepared to be checked as the airport regularly has military and private movements. As always, in case of being approached by police or airport security, stay calm, be cooperative, be nice and carry ID at all times.
Runway Usage
16L/34R	Typically used for departures by FedEx and military departures in both directions. FedEx and military occasionally use the runway for arrivals when the airport is not busy.
16R/34L	Typically used by light aircraft doing pattern work and most heavy arrivals.

	Spot #1 – Tower – Rwy 16/34 movements & ramp east of concourse
WHERE	Follow the signs to Fort Worth Alliance airport and park in front of some kind of memorial, next to the airports tower. The location itself is right along the fence and the gaps are wide enough to stick a camera through.

WHAT	Departures from 16L/34R and 16R/34L, taxiway A movements and the main AFW ramp. Arrivals on 16L/34R and 16R/34L are possible from this spot but there are a lot of obstructions and heat haze will be an issue in the summer.

TIME	From sunrise until late morning, and a possibly a bit longer for ramp traffic depending on angle. Night shots are also possible as well.

MISC.	Keep the camera stowed away as long as possible as you may distract drivers otherwise, which is a common reason US authorities use to send spotters off. Heat haze can be a huge issue on hot days. No food, no drinks, no restrooms, no shelter.

FOCAL LENGTH	50-400mm

	Spot #2 – Alliance Center – 34 Arrivals + low 16 Departures (Morning)
WHERE	This spot is located at the corner of Heritage and Westport Pkwy near the southern end of the airport. Park at the strip mall and pick your preferred position, but make sure to keep some distance to the roads to avoid distracting drivers.

WHAT	34 arrivals and maybe also low 16 departures.

TIME	From sunrise until late morning.

MISC.	Food, drinks and restrooms can be found at various fast food places, which are within in walking distance.

FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

	Spot #3 – Harmon Rd – 34 Arrivals + low 16 Departures (Afternoon)
WHERE	Park your car at the strip mall next to spot #2 and walk westwards along Westport Pkwy until reaching the desired position. Alternatively, you can leave your car on that unpaved area at the corner of Westport Pkwy and Harmon Rd. As this is not a designated parking area, this might attract some unwanted attention, however, the area is visible from the spotting location, so you can return to your car quickly if needed.

WHAT	34 arrivals and maybe also low 16 departures.

TIME	Later noon till sunset.

MISC.	Food, drinks and restrooms can be found at various fast food places at spot #2, which are within in walking distance.

FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

	Spot #4 – Old Blue Mound Rd – 16/34 movements
WHERE	This spot can be found northwest of the airport along Old Blue Mound Rd. It is a slightly elevated position and thus perfect to clear the fence.

WHAT	All movements on both runways – no matter if 16 or 34 is in use. Lighter aircraft might be too high already when departing on 34.

TIME	From early afternoon until sunset.

MISC.	Bring what you need, no food, no drinks, no restrooms, no shelter. Bug spray might be useful as well. The road leading to this location is unpaved, hence things can become ugly when the weather turns bad.

FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide our own sample photos, but this is the view you can expect: THIS.

	Spot #5 – Eagle Pkwy – 16 Arrivals (Morning)
WHERE	This location is off the airport boundaries in the northeast, next to Eagle Pkwy where an unnamed street exits the parkway to an industrial area south of the spot. Parking might be an issue, but you can try the private parking lot across the street (keep in mind that it is a private property!). Alternatively park your car roadside and stay close to it.

WHAT	16 arrivals only.

TIME	From sunrise until late morning.

MISC.	Bring what you need, no food, no drinks, no restrooms, no shelter.

FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm