Plane Spotting: Airside at Flughafen Zurich – an aviation photographer’s wet dream

I arrived in Zurich yesterday morning to meet my friend and Bangalore Airport President Marcel Hungerbeuhler, and do some spotting.

Thanks to some other friends at Bangalore and Zurich airports (who shall remain anonymous), both Marcel and me, were met by this huge strapping guy — Rolf Wallner, one of the senior plane spotters in Switzerland with thousands of photos on sites (check them here), and who happens to work airside at the airport.

Clear skies, good sunshine, good breeze, a beautiful green wooded airport called Zurich, a line of wide-bodies, airside!!!! …… an aviation photographers spotter’s wet dream.

Incidentally, Zurich airport is one the most spotter friendly airports in the world. Authorities have even cut holes in the fence for spotters to take photographs from, and have observation decks and guided tours airside. If you are spotter who is travelling, a transit via Zurich is essential.

Rolf knew all the right spots so we got up close to the action. Click on the photos for a high resolution view.

Take-offs from runway 28
Ukraine International Airline Boeing 737-800 takes-off from runway 28 at Flughafen Zurich
Take-offs from runway 16
SWISS Airbus A330-300 HB-JHC take-off Zurich
Landings on runway 14 (managed to get both the smokin’ touchdown and the jet thrust. Woot!!)
Air Berlin Airbus A320 landing at ZurichQatar Airways Airbus A330-300 A7-AED landing at Zurich
A panoramic view of the E concourse for all long distance international operations.
Flughafen Zurich airport international long distance concourse E panorama
Unfortunately due to my poor scheduling (completely forgot that the sun sets well after 8pm during summers in Europe) I had to leave. Dang!!!! ….. but it gives me the excuse to return.

Thanks Rolf for a great time and to H for arranging it. Let us repeat it ……. and soon.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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