Brisbane Airport has unveiled plans for a new plane spotting area designed to give visitors clearer views of aircraft movements across the airport’s runways.
Centenary Announcement Sets Direction
The planned viewing precinct was announced as Brisbane Airport wrapped up its 100th anniversary celebrations. Brisbane Airport said demand has grown from visitors wanting closer, less obstructed views of aviation activity.
Retired Fokker Tail to Anchor the Precinct
A decommissioned Fokker F28 Fellowship tail will form the centrepiece of the new area. The tail is about 50 years old and was donated by Aviation Australia.
Brisbane Airport linked the tail display to another Fokker aircraft on show at the airport, the Southern Cross, flown across the Pacific in 1928 by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.
Platform Relocation Aims for Clearer Sightlines
The elevated structure is planned to sit about 50 metres south of the existing viewing platform. The new location is expected to deliver less obstructed views of airside activity.
The precinct will be closer to the Zulu and Yankee taxiways than the current position, improving views of aircraft taxiing to and from the western runway, as well as aircraft landing and taking off on the eastern runway.
Shade, Shelter and Family Facilities Included
Plans include shade and shelter, with seating also listed as part of improved facilities. The design is intended to support plane spotters, photographers and families visiting the viewing area.
Regular Plane Spotters Welcome the Upgrade
Long-time plane spotter Lloyd Fox, who has photographed aircraft at Brisbane Airport and its predecessor at Eagle Farm since childhood, said the planned location would bring visitors closer to aircraft activity. He estimated he has visited the airport about 5,500 times and has an image collection of almost 30,000 photos.
Construction to Temporarily Close Current Viewing Area
Construction will require the temporary closure of the current viewing area. Brisbane Airport said about 927 cubic metres of fill will be trucked in to establish the foundations.
The airport has indicated the new plane spotting precinct is expected to open in 2026, with one report placing the opening in the second half of 2026.
Published 27-Dec-2025
