NAIA Plane Spotting Balcony (Manila) — Direct Runway 24 Final Approach Views

Why plane spotters love Raya P09

• Direct alignment with Runway 24 — aircraft approach and departure paths right in front of you.
• Elevated vantage point — clear sightlines above ground obstacles.
• Optimal runway distance — close enough for detail, far enough for full-frame approaches.
• Active traffic windows — busy mornings and late afternoons.
• Wide, stable balcony — suitable for tripods, long lenses, and video setups.

Spotter specs (Raya P09 — NAIA Runway 24 balcony view)

• Floor / height: Penthouse, 16th floor.
• What you can see (RWY 24 active): Direct balcony view of final approach, landings, and takeoffs on Runway 24.
• Streaming-ready WiFi: Around 90 Mbps (real-world speeds can vary by time of day).
• Balcony setup: Power outlets, a table and chairs, plus balcony lighting for night sessions.
• Tripod-friendly: Works well for phones, cameras, and livestream rigs.
• Sound: Aircraft noise is possible, especially during active traffic (immersive on the balcony, comfortable inside with doors/windows closed).
• Light / glare: Natural light changes across the day — check sunrise/sunset for your dates for the cleanest shots.

What you can actually see from the balcony (real spotting conditions)

Below is a realistic breakdown based on actual spotting sessions and livestreams — not “airport view” marketing. Runway usage can change with wind and operations, so consider this a best-effort description, not a guarantee.

When Runway 24 is active (near end)

• Runway line-up: aircraft taxi to the holding point, hold short, then line up on RWY 24 — fully visible from the balcony.
• Takeoffs: you can watch the engine spool-up, acceleration, rotation, and climb-out directly in front of you.
• Landings: aircraft appear on short final, cross the threshold, touch down, then exit via nearby taxiways.
• Up-close moment: when traffic stacks, you’ll often see aircraft pause on the runway centerline before departure (and hear it).
• Signature shot: late-afternoon departures climbing into the Metro Manila sunset.

When Runway 06 is active (far end)

• Takeoffs: aircraft hold short, line up, and rotate close to the balcony (strong “airborne up close” moments).
• Landings (day): aircraft appear on final approach, touch down, then exit via taxiways.
• Landings (night): you can follow the glide-slope entry → final approach → touchdown sequence.
• Night highlight: during busy periods you may see 4–5 landing lights stacked on final approach.

Beyond the runway: full airport view

• Terminals visible: Terminals 1 & 2 clearly visible; Terminal 3 partially visible.
• ATC tower: visible from the balcony.
• Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP): hangars in view.
• Villamor Air Base: occasional military movements may be visible.
• Ground action: taxi movements, pushbacks, and aircraft parking visible.

This makes the balcony suitable not only for runway spotting, but for observing the full rhythm of NAIA as a working airport.

Real plane spotting. Real reactions.

All photos and videos below were captured directly from the balcony at Raya P09.

Balcony setup — built for plane spotters

Real behind-the-scenes footage showing the balcony layout, space for tripods, and how plane spotters actually set up at Raya P09.

▶ Watch balcony setup

Live plane spotting from the balcony

No edits. Just real-time arrivals and departures observed directly from the penthouse balcony.

▶ Watch live spotting session – Runway 24

What plane spotters actually say

Real reviews from aviation enthusiasts who stayed at Raya P09 — written after watching Runway 24 from the balcony.

✈️ Good to know: when NAIA switches runway configuration, Runway 06 operations are also visible from the balcony. Spotters can watch close-up departures and see arrivals further left — especially impressive at night with multiple landing lights on final. See the full Runway 06 spotting guide →

The stay — designed for plane spotters

• Space for gear — cameras, lenses, tripods, backpacks.
• Quiet interior — rest comfortably between spotting sessions.
• Blackout curtains & air-conditioning — recover after early mornings.
• Fast, reliable Wi-Fi — uploads, livestreams, cloud backups.
• Secure, private access — spot peacefully, anytime.

Aircraft, sound & best time windows

For spotters planning photo, video, or livestream sessions, these are the practical “planning levers”: aircraft mix, sound, and timing.

Most common aircraft (with highlights)

• Narrowbodies: A320 / A321 (PAL, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia)
• Widebodies: A330, A350, B787, B777 (PAL, Singapore Airlines, Cathay)
• Special sightings: foreign carriers, special liveries, bizjets
• Rare moments: military movements, go-arounds (weather dependent)

Sound level (balcony vs inside)

• Balcony: loud and immersive during heavy departures/arrivals — a true plane-spotter experience.
• Inside: very manageable; doors/windows closed keep it comfortable.
• No vibration issues: just clean jet noise.

Best light & time windows

• Best light: morning → early afternoon.
• Rush hours: 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–21:00 (international traffic).
• Late afternoon: golden hour, dramatic shadows — excellent for photography.
• Night ops: glide-slope entries and stacked landing lights during busy periods (ideal for long exposures).

NAIA plane spotting FAQ (Runway 24 balcony view)

Can I really see NAIA Runway 24 from this balcony?

Yes — when NAIA operates on Runway 24, you’ll have a direct balcony view of aircraft on approach and runway activity.

Will I always see landings on Runway 24?

Not always. Runway direction can change due to wind and operations. On non-24 configurations, you may see less runway action from the balcony.

What exactly can I see when Runway 24 is active?

When RWY 24 is active, you can typically watch aircraft on final approach, landings, and runway movement. Visibility varies depending on weather, traffic, and operational conditions.

What if NAIA switches runways (not Runway 24)?

Runway configuration can change at any time. When NAIA switches away from Runway 24, the spotting experience changes — with Runway 06 departures passing close in front of the balcony and arrivals visible further left. The angle is different, but activity remains strong. For framing + night notes, see the Runway 06 balcony guide.

Is this good for plane spotting photos and videos?

Yes — it’s a private balcony setup built for spotting, filming, and photography. For tighter shots, your results will depend on your camera/lens and the current traffic pattern.

Do I need a big camera lens to enjoy it?

No. A phone is enough to enjoy the experience. A camera and lens help if you want tighter frames or specific aircraft details — bring what matches your style (photo, video, or livestream).

Can I live stream from the balcony?

Yes. Guests do stream from the balcony. Streaming quality depends on your device/setup and real-time internet conditions during your stay.

Is the balcony setup tripod-friendly?

Yes — a tripod is generally fine for filming and streaming. Please keep gear secure and follow building rules at all times.

Is it safe (and allowed) to film or photograph from the balcony?

You’re viewing from a private accommodation. Guests must follow building rules and local laws, and avoid any restricted, unsafe, or disruptive activity.

Can I invite friends to watch planes from the balcony?

Only if it matches the registered guest count and house rules.

What’s the best time of day for filming or photography?

Light changes throughout the day. For the cleanest shots, plan around sunrise/sunset and your preferred look (brighter vs silhouette). Runway usage and traffic also vary.

Will it be noisy?

You’re near the airport, so aircraft noise is possible, especially when traffic is active. Many aviation fans enjoy it!

Can you guarantee runway usage, aircraft types, or traffic volume?

We can’t guarantee runway configuration, traffic volume, or specific aircraft. Airport operations depend on weather and operational needs — but when RWY 24 is active, this is a strong balcony view for plane enthusiasts.

For more airport-focused stays, see stays near NAIA airport. For city stays, explore Makati stays.