Punta Gorda Airport - Spotting Guide

Punta Gorda Airport – Spotting Guide

July 31, 2024 - last modified on July 25, 2024

The airport of Punta Gorda (IATA: PGD/ICAO: KPGD) is located at the Gulf Coast of Florida and north of Fort Myers. The one and only schedule airline at the airport is Allegiant Air, which handled almost 2 Mio pax in 2023. They are causing approximate two daily rush hours so check their flight plan before you go to PGD. Besides Allegiant Air you will see some Biz and General Aviation flights too.

The Florida International Air Show is taking place annually at the airport.

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

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
04/22	2.192 m (7.193 ft) Asphalt
09/27	803 m (2.636 ft) Asphalt
15/33	1.916 m (6.286 ft) Asphalt
Terminals
Passenger Terminal	One pax terminal for all flights at the west part of the airport
FBO Terminal	The FBO terminal is north of the airport at Challenger Blvd.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Needed at spot 2 but not recommend to use. A Pickup-Truck or the car’s rooftop is the better option.
Car/Public Transport	Public Transport is not available so a car is absolutely necessary.
Drinks/Food	There are some fast food restaurants and a Wawa Station southwest of the airport, next to the I75 intersection.
Hotels	Few hotels are available southwest of the airport, next to the I75 intersection. 04 arrivals can be seen from these.
Season	Best time is from November to March, when temperatures are still enjoyable. From May through October the chance of thunderstorms and hurricanes increases significantly and heat haze will likely become an issue.
Security	We have noticed no issues during our visit.
Runway Usage
General Info	The airport has three operational runways and all directions are in use, makes it not easy to spot here. If the wind is calm and there is not much traffic expect frequent position changes. You should really listen to ATC and study flight tracking apps to avoid disappointments.
04/22	Longest runway and used in all directions.
09/27	Smallest runway and used in all directions occasionally by small props only.
15/33	Longest runway and used in all directions.

	Spot #1 – Woodlawn Dr – 04 and 33 arrivals, 22 and 15 departures
WHERE	From the I75 get on Piper Rd, which is the major road to and from the terminal. From there turn into Woodlawn Dr and park by the roadside as needed. It is a very quiet road and almost no cars will pass by.

WHAT	All arrivals on 04 and 33 can be spotted. 15 and 22 departures should be fine too but we did not checked it.

TIME	33 arrivals and 15 departures in the morning hours and from afternoon until sunset. 04 arrivals and 22 departures from sunrise until noon. Be aware of heat haze

MISC.	Gas station, hotels and restaurants are available a bit further south, next to the I75 intersection.

FOCAL LENGTH	Depends on where you stay but 200-250mm for an A320.

Samples for 33 arrivals

	Spot #2 – Crash Gate – Taxiway D, 15/33 movements, 22 departures
WHERE	There is a Crash Gate at the end of Beechcraft Ave, south of the terminal. There is a concrete lot where you can stay with your car without blocking the crash gate. To clear the fence you should use a pick up truck or the rooftop of your car. You can even walk from the terminal to this point but it difficult if there is no help to clear the fence.

WHAT	In general you have a fantastic sight of all taxiway D and all 15/33 movements. But due to parked aircraft in front of you the view might be limited. 22 departures can be spotted easily as well as small props on the apron next to you.

TIME	Taxiway D and runway 15/33 from afternoon until sunset. 22 departures in the summer evenings.

MISC.	The terminal with all its amenities is just a one minute drive northwards.

FOCAL LENGTH	Taxiway A320 = 50mm, Departure A320 = 200mm

	Spot #3 – Fire Station – 09 and 15 arrivals
WHERE	From the terminal drive north on Golf Course Blvd until you see the Fire Station to your right. Park on the left by the roadside, next to the entrance of a construction site.

WHAT	All arrivals on 15 and 09 can be spotted. Latter is occasionally in use by small props only.

TIME	15 is great from afternoon until sunset. 09 is good all day in winter and backlit in the morning and evening during mid summer.

MISC.	The terminal with all its amenities is just a two minutes drive southwards.

FOCAL LENGTH	A320 = 150mm