Naples Airport (Florida) - Spotting Guide

Naples Airport (Florida) – Spotting Guide

September 15, 2024 - last modified on September 16, 2024

Naples Airport (APF/KAPF), formerly known as Naples Municipal Airport (and not to be confused with Naples International Airport in Italy), is a public airport in the southwestern corner of Florida’s mainland.

Several regional carriers used to connect the airport with various hubs as well as other destinations in Florida, but since 2017 it has been exclusively catering to business jets and GAT. The former North Road Passenger Terminal is now used by rental car companies and business jet charter airlines, such as NetJets.

The airport has its own flight tracking radar, which can be found under this link.

Written by Thomas Okaty & Julian Mittnacht. Last Update: March 2024

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
05/23	2012m / 6,600ft
14/32	1524m / 5,000ft
Terminals
North Road Terminal	Former passenger Terminal and used mainly by NetJets
General Aviation Terminal	Various FBO’s are spread around the airport.

Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed and not recommended.
Car/Public Transport	All locations can be reached the easiest by car, however, there is a bus line running along Airport Pulling Rd (check the rideCat website for details). There is also a bike path, which follows the east and south perimeter of the airport property.
Drinks/Food	Restaurants and gas stations can be found on Airport Pulling Rd adjacent to the east end of the airport.
Hotels	Various hotels are located along US Route 41 (Tamiami Trail) about a mile south of the airport.
Season	All year, but best from November through April, as it gets hot and humid the rest of the year.
Security	We did not encounter any issues with airport security at any of the locations listed below. Spot #1 is an official viewing area.
Runway Usage
General Info	When there is not much traffic and wind is calm, often both runways are active in both directions.
05/23	Used in both directions. Due to its length the major runway and expect bigger bizjets like Gulfstreams or Falcons on this runway.
14/23	Used in both directions.

	Spot #1 – Official Airport Viewing Area – 05 movements
WHERE	The airport viewing area is located on North Rd right by the runway 05 threshold and there is a parking lot. The elevated deck offers tables and benches, and the airport’s ATC radio is being broadcasted over a speaker.

WHAT	Runway 05 arrivals and departures. Movements on taxiways A and D and line-up on taxiways A, A1 and D1. Runway 23 arrivals if vacating onto taxiway A1, A2 or D1. Runway 23 departures, but most will already be fairly high.

TIME	Runway 05 arrivals, taxiway movements and line-up from sunrise until early afternoon. Runway 23 arrivals vacating taxiway A2 from late morning until sunset.

MISC.	No food or drinks. There is a public restroom next to the viewing deck.

FOCAL LENGTH	Falcon 2000: 35mm; G450: 150mm; C750: 170mm; C560: 210mm; C680: 290mm; C700: 220mm; LJ75: 220mm; Falcon 900: 340mm; Hawker 800: 200mm

	Spot #2 – North Road Terminal – Ramp
WHERE	To the left and to the right of the former passenger terminal on North Road the ramp is visible. The facility is mainly used by the car rental agencies and some charter airlines. Just leave your car in one of the parking lots (free of charge) and walk to the fence around the terminal.

WHAT	Aircraft parked on the terminal ramp.

TIME	All day, but depending on how and where aircraft are parked.

MISC.	Restrooms available in the terminal. The fence is not very high and by using the live view feature of the DSLR you can easily shoot over the fence. Security passes by frequently, and although they didn’t seem to care while we were taking photos, be prepared to be approached at any time.

FOCAL LENGTH	Wide range from 50-400mm

	Spot #3 – Prospect Ave – 23 arrivals
WHERE	This spot is located at the corner of Airport Pulling Road and Prospect Avenue, next to a restaurant (currently Michelbob’s Ribs and Steaks). There’s no designated public parking available, however, it is possible to park the car roadside or in the lot of the restaurant. During our visit we did not encounter any issues, but regardless be prepared to perhaps be sent away. If using the public bus, then get off at the Prospect Avenue stop, which is on the airport facing side of Airport Pulling Rd, on the inbound (southbound) line, or at the Radio Road stop on the outbound (northbound) line. From the latter it’s about a 5 minute walk northbound along Airport Pulling Road to the spotting location.

WHAT	Runway 23 arrivals.

TIME	From sunrise until early afternoon.

MISC.	Bring what you need. There are a few trees, which provide some shade. If using the parking lot of the restaurant business, then be mindful that this is a private property.

FOCAL LENGTH	Citation: 320mm