Landing in Nice is an unforgettable experience as you glide over the sparkling sea and take in the stunning coastal views of the Cap d’Antibes, Marina Baie des Anges, and the iconic Promenade des Anglais.
The airport, with its palm trees and sea views where you feel as though you are landing on the sea, is currently undergoing a major £44million upgrade.
A 25,000 square metre expansion of Terminal 2 is underway to increase the airport’s capacity from 14 million to 18 million passengers annually.
Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of the Board of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur said in a statement: “Connecting the Côte d’Azur directly to major regional cities and developing direct routes to international capitals is a responsible way of meeting the transport needs of Côte d’Azur residents and all those who come to visit us.
“This is what sustainable and necessary air transport is all about.”
He added: “Between the efforts made by the airport on its own emissions and on some of those linked to turnaround phases, and the efforts made by the entire aviation industry to decarbonise its operations, all the players are committed to reducing the environmental impact of air transport.”
The first phase of the expansion plans to build a new international departure lounge, retail stores, and an airport lounge by the next high season, coinciding with the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.
Following this, the redevelopment will progress with new boarding gates in the autumn, and by early 2026, the airport will unveil a new check-in hall, baggage sorting system, and baggage claim hall.
Protests against the expansion took place in 2023.
A commission tasked with a public inquiry, ordered by the courts, issued a favorable opinion on January 21 regarding the extension of Nice Airport, despite strong opposition and a protest held on February 8.
While the commissioner acknowledged that the project is unpopular with the public, approval was conditional on regular monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Critics argue that the expansion will increase flights, worsen air pollution, and add significant CO2 emissions.
The airport said an independent impact study released in November 2024 indicates that, despite more aircraft movements, greenhouse gas emissions at the airport will be 11% lower by 2034 compared to 2024 due to improved infrastructure and more efficient aircraft.