Aruba Spotter Day 2025 – TNCA Airside Aviation Photography & Aircraft Highlights

Sep 27

Aruba’s Reina Beatrix International Airport (TNCA/AUA) hosted Spotter Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20th, and I was fortunate to be invited to attend this highly anticipated aviation photography event.

The opportunity to photograph aircraft airside at TNCA is exceptionally rare, and spending a full day on the airfield was something I simply could not pass up. Flights and hotel were booked almost immediately after receiving the invitation.

Airside Safety Training & Runway 29 Operations

Activities began on Friday morning with our group attending mandatory Airside Safety & Security Training at the airport. Following successful completion of the required exam, we were officially cleared for airfield access ahead of Spotter Day.

Stormy weather conditions that afternoon resulted in the rare use of Runway 29, providing an unexpected bonus photography opportunity. I took full advantage of the shifting light and dramatic skies to capture arrivals and departures from less commonly photographed angles at TNCA.

Spotter Day Begins: Briefing & Workshop

Under bright sunshine and already scorching Caribbean temperatures, the first Aruba Spotter Day since 2022 began inside the airport’s VIP room.

The morning program included:

Breakfast and introductions
Event schedule briefing
Spotter “swag bags”
A photography workshop by local aviation photographer Ayrton Tromp

Following the briefing, spotters were divided into multiple groups and escorted to airside vehicles that would transport us around the airport throughout the day.

Each group was accompanied by volunteer staff who ensured safe movement across operational areas. Their knowledge of airport operations — combined with an understanding of what aviation photographers want — played a huge role in making the day run smoothly.

Airside Photography Across the Airfield

The first hours airside delivered outstanding access and angles across multiple locations at TNCA.

Despite the intense heat, everyone was focused on maximizing shooting time. After a short midday break for cold drinks and food provided by the airport, groups quickly headed back out onto the airfield.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the event was the freedom each group had to position themselves at different locations, creating a wide variety of photographic perspectives throughout the day.

Highlights included:

Taxiway photography positions
Ramp and apron shooting locations
Close-up taxi shots
Departures in strong Caribbean light

Runway & Taxiway Access Highlights

A major highlight — and a rare privilege — was being allowed onto the runway during a lull in operations.

Standing on an active runway at TNCA with cameras in hand is an unforgettable experience for any aviation photographer.

We were also granted access to taxiway Golf, which had not yet officially reopened following renovation works. This provided unique vantage points not normally available — even during most spotter events.

Golden Hour & KLM Arrival

As the afternoon light softened into evening, attention turned to one of the day’s most anticipated movements: the arrival of the KLM flight.

The combination of golden Caribbean light, runway access, and wide-open sightlines made for spectacular photographic conditions to close out the event.

Shortly after the arrival, volunteer staff regrouped all spotters and transported us back to the terminal, marking the end of an incredible day airside.

Final Thoughts

Aruba Spotter Day 2025 was a fantastic experience spent among passionate aviation photographers from around the region.

My sincere thanks go to the Aruba Airport Authority, event organizers and all the volunteer staff. Their professionalism, planning, and enthusiasm set an exceptionally high standard for aviation photography events of this kind.

I look forward to returning for future editions.

(Click on an image to enlarge)