Plane Spotting: How Social Media Is Turning a Hobby into a Global Trend

Plane spotting is no longer a quiet pastime for aviation enthusiasts. Across the world, this hobby has taken off on social media, creating vibrant communities and inspiring thousands to look skyward.

In Thiruvananthapuram, the steady rumble of aircraft over Ponnara Palam near Vallakkadavu has become more than background noise. It now draws groups of spotters, many of them young, eager to watch planes sweep across the sky. Some arrive with flight-tracking apps and cameras, while others come simply out of curiosity.

This surge of interest reflects a global trend. From London to Kochi, plane spotting has evolved from a niche interest into a thriving social activity. “The more you watch aircraft, the more you want to know about them,” says Kochi-based graphic designer Gowtham Pramod.

In Kochi, the popular Kallumkootam viewpoint has become a hub for enthusiasts. At almost any hour, groups gather with their necks tilted skyward, sharing excited observations. Someone identifies an airline, another predicts landing time, and others cheer as their favourite flights approach.

Social media has amplified this passion. Spotters now record landings and take-offs, edit their footage and share it online. Short clips of rare aircraft, night landings and powerful engine roars regularly attract thousands of views, bringing aviation closer to audiences far from the runway.

For many, plane spotting is more than a hobby; it is a form of relaxation and emotional release.

“Heading out late at night with friends and watching planes land helps you unwind,” says Midhun Joseph, a photography student in Kochi. Others describe the experience as cathartic and even a source of pride.

The movement also promotes education. Plane Spotters Kerala, an informal group of enthusiasts, has grown from a small Facebook community into a collective that hosts exhibitions and raises awareness about aviation. Their most iconic contribution came in 2017 with the TRV sign at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Brookfield Aviation: Passion Meets Profession

This enthusiasm for aviation extends into professional circles. At Brookfield Aviation, we share the same passion that drives spotters worldwide. Our Senior Vice President, Quan Nguyen, is a keen plane spotter who spends his free time photographing aircraft and memorising fleet details. His dedication reflects our ethos: connecting people through aviation. From pilot jobs to aircraft engineer jobs across the globe, Brookfield does more than recruit talent; we celebrate the industry and the people that make it thrive.

For spotters and professionals alike, plane spotting is about community, creativity and a shared love of the skies.