Across the world, specially in Europe, airports such as Zurich Airport and Basel EuroAirport, Switzerland, Frankfurt, Germany, Amsterdam Schiphol and London Heathrow are well-known for their safe and accessible plane spotting zones. In the Asian region too, major airports like Singapore Changi, Tokyo Haneda, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi offer structured viewing areas for aviation lovers.
While Sri Lanka’s security context and history cannot be directly compared to Europe or these highly developed hubs, the global examples prove that properly managed and monitored plane spotting areas can coexist with airport security. This is an opportunity Sri Lanka can consider positively.
Inspired by Switzerland: A Recent Visit That Showed What’s Possible
During his recent visit to Switzerland with Edelweiss Air, Aviation Voice Chief Dev Samarajeewa had the opportunity to explore several plane-spotting locations at Zurich Airport and Basel EuroAirport. Both airports feature designated public zones near the runway where anyone can freely observe aircraft movements, capture photos, and enjoy the aviation atmosphere in a calm, organized and respectful environment.
Visitors from any country, including Sri Lanka, are allowed to access these areas without restrictions. People were seen sipping coffee, families enjoying the views and aviation enthusiasts capturing photos from remarkably close distances.
This atmosphere of freedom and encouragement towards aviation passion stands as a great example for Sri Lanka.
Why Sri Lanka Should Consider Establishing a Similar Facility
Sri Lanka restricted such activities due to security concerns before 2009 and the reasons at that time were understandable.
However, more than 15 years have passed and Sri Lanka is now in a new phase of rebuilding tourism, modernizing aviation and encouraging youth engagement.
A dedicated plane spotting zone at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) designed with proper safety measures and oversight by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), Airport & Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL) and other relevant authorities could bring multiple benefits:
1. Encouraging Youth and Aviation Interest
Many young Sri Lankans are passionate about aviation. Their hobbies differ from older generations, they love photography, videography and capturing aircraft through their mobile phones or cameras.
At the recently held Sri Lanka Aviation Forum, young aviation enthusiast/ planespotter Malin Jayasuriya also highlighted the need for a safe and accessible plane spotting area. His comment represents thousands of youth waiting for such an opportunity.
2. Promoting Sri Lanka as a Tourism and Aviation Hub
A dedicated spotting zone would attract: International aviation photographers, Travel influencers, Airline supporters, Local aviation fans
This helps promote Sri Lanka as a friendly, aviation-supportive destination while showcasing the beauty of our skies and aircraft operations.
3. Supporting the National Carrier and Airport Branding
Spotting photos and videos shared online naturally boost the visibility of:
SriLankan Airlines, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Sri Lanka’s aviation sector as a whole.
This is effortless, organic marketing done by passionate youth at zero cost to the government.
4. Creating a Community and Positive Engagement Space
Instead of restricting enthusiasts, giving them a safe, well-managed place:
- Strengthens community
- Builds trust
- Encourages aviation education
- Supports a culture of disciplined public engagement
A Practical Proposal for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka doesn’t need to fully replicate European models, as each country’s security situation is different.
But it can create a moderate, secure and structured plane spotting area perhaps near BIA’s perimeter, under monitored access.
A system could include:
- Security screenings or pre-registration
- Safety perimeters
- Cooperation between CAASL, AASL and security authorities
- Proper signage and viewing platforms
Such an initiative would be safe, modern and aligned with international best practices.
A Call to Authorities
Aviation Voice respectfully hopes that Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Airport & Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL) and other relevant agencies will consider the voices of young aviation enthusiasts.
A simple, secure plane spotting area can inspire the next generation encouraging them to dream bigger, learn more and fall in love with aviation just like millions across the world.
Sri Lanka has the potential, now it just needs the push.
Editor/ Aviation Voice
