Indianapolis International Airport: Difference between revisions

On top of the parking garage is a great place to spot. Views of both parallel runways are available from on top of the garage. The price is $2 per half hour or $18 per day. On the north side of the garage, you can view most if not all passenger aircraft. On the south side you can clearly view the FedEx ramp and their aircraft. Currently runway 5R/23L is closed for long-term construction and will be closed until further notice. Also, construction for parking garage expansion has closed the entire northern side of the garage, save for the far northern corner of the garage.

There are several business parking lots along W Washington St that offer a great view of traffic landing on 23R or departing 5L. This is a great way to view or photograph Cargolux 747's when they visit IND once or twice a week since 5L/23R is always their preferred runway. However, a longer lens may be needed.

Airside spotting is also available in Civic Plaza pre-TSA and in the concourses. Large, panoramic windows offer wide views of the airfield.

On the off-chance that the crosswind runway is being used, your options are limited. For departures on runway 32, parking behind the building of the now-defunct ATA Airlines off of Washington Street was once available, but security measures may or may not be in place there now. From there, the aircraft taking off on runway 32 and arriving on 14 will fly right over you and you can get some good shots. However, the aircraft fly over with little warning, so be watching through the trees. For aircraft departing on runway 14, options are limited. On Perimeter Road, there is no shoulder to pull off on and there is a chance you will be driven away by airport police.

Along Perimeter Road, there is an old spotting area near the Gate Gourmet building. One of the lots is blocked off, but one isn't. This spot is good for 23R arrivals. Do not linger here as airport police patrol through there frequently.

To view departures on 23L, you can park in the cell phone lot. The overflow section is closer to aircraft approaching 5R. This is a good location to watch FedEx aircraft.