Plane spotting
Want to see aircraft up close, watch the activity on the apron or experience an aircraft landing beside the runway? There are two official locations for plane spotting. Groningen Airport Eelde
Whether you are an experienced plane spotter, want to watch aircraft with your children or grandchildren, or simply want to experience the atmosphere of the airport, you are very welcome at Groningen Airport Eelde.
What can you spot?
Groningen Airport Eelde is used for many different types of aviation. Depending on the day and time, you may see passenger aircraft, training aircraft, small private aircraft, business jets and medical flights.
This means there may also be something special to see outside the scheduled passenger flight times.
Location 1: Observation terrace
Experience the airport up close
From the observation terrace, you have a view across the apron. You can see parked aircraft, follow the activity surrounding a flight and watch aircraft arriving or departing in the distance.
With views of the apron, terminal and runway, this is a great place to experience the atmosphere of the airport. It is also the perfect place to wave someone goodbye.
Complete your visit with something tasty from the Airport Bistro. Pick up a coffee, sandwich or ice cream and take it with you to the terrace.
The observation terrace is open during the opening hours of the Airport Bistro, unless a private event is taking place. We therefore recommend checking the current opening hours before your visit.
Access: by car, bicycle and public transport. Parking is available at P1, P2 and P3.
Facilities: Airport Bistro and facilities inside the terminal.
Best for: views of the apron, parked aircraft and the full airport atmosphere.
Location 2: Spotters’ hill
Clear views of the runway
Want to focus on aircraft taking off and landing? From the spotters’ hill, you have a wide and unobstructed view of the runway.
Located directly alongside the airport grounds, it allows you to experience arriving and departing aircraft up close.
The spotters’ hill is best reached by bicycle or on foot from Eekhoornstraat or Lugtenbergerweg. A cycle path and sandy path run alongside the location. It is not suitable for access by car.
There are no airport facilities at the spotters’ hill. We therefore recommend bringing your own drinks and dressing appropriately for the weather. Please leave the area clean and tidy after your visit.
Access: by bicycle and on foot. View the location on Google Maps.
Facilities: none.
Best for: aircraft taking off and landing.
Sit inside a real aircraft?
Visit our aircraft cabin mock up
Inside the terminal, you will find a real aircraft cabin. The cabin was once part of a passenger aircraft and has been fitted with original components.
Take a seat, look around and experience what it feels like to sit inside an aircraft.
Please note that the cabin may occasionally be unavailable due to educational activities.
When is the best time to visit?
Want to see a passenger aircraft arrive or depart? Check the latest arrival and departure times before your visit. Please keep in mind that flight times can change.
Not all aircraft movements are included in the public flight overview. Training flights, private flights, medical flights and other special flights may take place at different times. That means every visit can hold a little surprise.
Wind conditions also play a part. Aircraft usually take off and land into the wind, so the direction in which aircraft use the runway can vary from day to day.