Dublin Airport has submitted a planning application for a new public aircraft viewing facility on Old Airport Road.
If approved, the facility will be built on the site of an existing informal viewing deck at the airport known locally as 'The Mound'.
The airport said the new elevated apron would provide “a comfortable and safe space for the community to view aircraft movements, with a clear view of the south runway (10R/28L) and the crosswind runway (16/34). ”.
The facility would be covered and “fully illuminated, with power provided by solar panels located on site,” and would also feature bicycle parking and 22 car parking spaces, including spaces dedicated to families and people with reduced mobility.
Several UK airports have official public viewing facilities, including Free plane viewing area in Birmingham in Parking 5 of the airport.
Heathrow Airport lists several “spectator areas” ranging from an observation deck near Gates 15 and 16, to a covered observation post at the Heathrow Academy building on Newall Road.
AND Manchester Airport has a paid Runway Visitor Parkwhich features a runway observation deck, a children's play area, a flight simulator and several retired aircraft on display, including a Concorde and a Monarch DC10.
Commenting on the news, Gary McLean, CEO of Dublin Airport, said:
“Aircraft observation facilities are a feature of airports around the world. In addition to providing a platform for aircraft viewing, the facility also creates an interface between the airport and the local community, helping aviation enthusiasts interact with the airport by observing aircraft movements and airport operations. airport.
“This location has been an informal 'aircraft viewing' area for the past 40 years and we believe it is time to establish a more formal facility. It is a rite of passage for children in Dublin to be taken to 'The Mound' to watch the planes land and take off at the airport.
“This new facility would make it safer and more pleasant for users and we believe it is a facility that the local community will enjoy.”
Which airport in the world has the best airplane spotting facilities? Let us know in the comments section.
airportdedublina.com
