Once a year, Brussels Airport opens its doors to a select group of aviation enthusiasts for an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience. On August 4, a lucky group of spotters got the chance to photograph aircraft from exclusive spots on the tarmac — angles you simply can't get anywhere else.
Following a contest with more than 220 participants, twenty spotters were selected and invited to dive into the heart of Brussels Airport’s operations. Safely escorted to a reserved area near the runways, they were able to photograph their favourite aircraft taking off and landing, including several planes featuring special liveries.
The day further included a visit to the AHLEX training centre, giving participants a better understanding of the variety of airport jobs and the range of applied training programmes. The spotters were then introduced to Brussels Airport’s brand-new crash tenders. They also learned more about the essential role played by the fire and emergency services in the airport’s day-to-day operations.
In 2018, the airport opened two spotting platforms, which offer a magnificent view of the runways and allowing spotters to capture images of aircraft in complete safety.