Thank you to everyone who participated in our “Airports—Your Perspective” photo contest! We were truly impressed by the incredible images you captured—your photos showcased airports from fresh, compelling angles, highlighting the energy, people, aircraft, design, and unique character of these vital aviation hubs. Each entry offered a distinctive look at the places where journeys begin and end, and we’re grateful for the creativity and effort you put into sharing them. After our public vote, we’re proud to present this year’s winners—congratulations to all!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Grand Prize Winner
Wait, This Is an Airport?
John T.
The rain vortex is the crown jewel of Changi Airport, the world's tallest indoor waterfall. Cascading water from 130 ft. wows locals and tourists alike as they swarm the atrium. And there's no bad seat either. Whether you're up close at the base, standing at a vantage point nestled among plants, or up close while riding the monorail, it's an engineering spectacle that demands your attention.
First Runner-Up
Parallel Parking
Todd M.
Taken in Vancouver prior to an Alaskan Cruise on Princess Cruise Line.
Second Runner-Up
Longbow on the Line
Austin W.
Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield at dusk. An endless expanse of concrete interrupted only by painted geometry and the king at the top of the apron. The AH-64 Longbow sits perfectly centered on the line. At any airport, those lines matter. They are boundaries. They are guides. They are discipline made visible. They define where you stop, where you turn, where you belong. In the Apache, staying on the line is a point of pride. It is a powerful, slightly squirrely machine on the ground, eager to move, eager to lift. Holding it steady and precisely aligned takes touch and intent. As the sun dropped, I worked to frame its last light through the rocket pods. The window of light lasted seconds. The glow caught between steel and composite felt like a warning, not warmth. Silhouetted against the fading sky, the Longbow looks less like a taxiing helicopter and more like a predator waiting for release. The concrete is calm. The lines are steady. But this beast is ready for the night, until the mission ends and it returns to the concrete paradise of the airport once again.
Third Runner-Up
Holding Short of a Kiss
Austin W.
I spent my birthday across the bay from San Francisco International Airport hoping to catch something memorable. SFO delivered. From this angle, two United widebodies appear nose to nose, as if they are about to kiss across the airfield. In reality, they are separated by taxiways, sequencing, and layers of coordination. But airports compress distance and create illusions. Giants look inches apart when they are safely thousands of feet from each other. Airports are built on relationships. Controllers and crews. Ramp teams and pilots. Departures and arrivals sharing the same concrete. Even airplanes seem to have their own moment of connection before heading in opposite directions. On my birthday, SFO gave me a reminder of why I love airports. Precision that looks like poetry. Infrastructure that feels human. And two jets sharing a quiet moment before each continue its own journey.
Honorable Mentions
Congratulations to the Top 15
Parallel Arrivals
Maurizio D.
I took this photo at the threshold of runway 16R at Van Nuys Airport. I arrived about an hour before sunset and waited near the approach end, watching the rhythm of arrivals as the light slowly softened. I wasn’t there by accident. Aviation has been part of my life for decades. On this particular evening, I went to the airport not to fly, but to sit with the realization that flying would no longer be part of my professional path. Instead of resisting it, I decided to witness it. As the business jet crossed the runway numbers, just a few feet above touchdown, the sun was descending at almost the same angle behind it. For a moment, both were on final approach—the aircraft to the runway, the sun to the horizon. I awaited that alignment. I adjusted my position slightly along the fence line to frame the jet against the descending sun, exposing for the highlights to preserve the silhouette. The timing had to be exact—too early and the sun was too high, too late and the jet was gone. When the shutter clicked, it felt symbolic. Two arrivals. Two descents. One ending … and the beginning of something else.
Final Approach
Photo by James D.
Farnborough Airport lies ahead as a line of heavy weather moves in from the west. The runway leads the eye into the frame, lit by brief sunlight breaking through the cloud, while a dark rain shower hangs over the airfield in the distance. To the right, lighter skies pick out the hangars and surrounding buildings, creating a clear contrast between sun and storm. Below, the airport is framed by woodland and housing, underlining how closely aviation and everyday life sit together here. The image captures a fleeting moment where changing weather and a quiet airfield meet.
A Salute to Heroes
Ben R.
I was covering the departure of the Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight's first all-female veteran flight. I asked the airline employees if I could go down on the ramp to photograph the water cannon salute as the flight taxied out. After a few minutes, I got the green light to go down and was escorted onto the ramp. It was great to see the support from the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport’s fire department and Southwest Airlines of the veterans.
De-icing Ops Before a Late Evening Departure
John B.
Captured this shot during a brief pause on the ramp between calls. Ground crews de-ice an aircraft ahead of a late evening departure, with steam rising into the night air.
Red, white and BLUE
Shawn T.
Airbus A220-300 posing in the bay for scheduled maintenance.
Reflect
Pat B.
KMBT Murfreesboro, Tennessee—A visit from a group showcasing the glorious B-17. Awoke to a dense fog advisory and while awaiting my shift to start, I decided to step out onto the ramp to admire this beautiful machine. I caught this image once the fog had lifted somewhat and wanted to share with fellow aviation enthusiasts!
See Ya Later
Reed W.
This photo shows a UPS cargo plane waiting to take off from Lubbock International Airport.
Enjoying the Breeze
Reed W.
This photo was taken of a King Air 350 on the ramp of Coulter Field in Bryan, Texas, just outside College Station.
Good Morning
Reed W.
This photo was taken early in the morning on the UPS cargo ramp at Lubbock International Airport in Lubbock, Texas.
LGA Lineup
Josh W.
Awaiting departure as LGA moves metal, as they do.
Newark on Departure
Josh W.
View of EWR (Newark) off the right side of the plane on a snowy night departure.
Thank you to all who participated in the Aero Crew News 2026 Photo Contest. We hope to see you next year!
