Passenger traffic nearly identical to 2019 with fewer planes
During the summer months of July and August 2023, the number of passengers reached 99.9% of that of the same period in 2019, with 3.3 million passengers at terminals 1 and 2 of Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. A performance achieved with 675 fewer aircraft movements. The main reasons for this efficiency are better utilization of aircraft capacities, an increase in cross-country connections within France, and the success of long-haul flights.
Fleet modernization and environmental impact
Modern aircraft, which make up the majority of current fleets, have optimized seating capacity.
« Fleets primarily made up of latest-generation aircraft, like those welcomed at our terminals, and better filled, with even more room for improvement, are significant levers to reduce the environmental impact of a mode of transport essential for opening up our territory. », says Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of the Board of the Côte d’Azur Airports. « 2023 thus returns to and continues the pre-COVID momentum that allowed us to welcome 30% more passengers between 2012 and 2019 without any additional aircraft movements. This positive trajectory is amplified by the fact that today’s aircraft are already less emissive than those from 10 years ago. “, he recalls.
Strengthening of international connections
The summer 2023 flight season saw the opening of 26 new routes, including three long-haul connections to Atlanta, Doha, and Riyadh. “These new routes reinforce the international positioning of Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which recorded a record number of 11 long-haul connections, six of which are to North America. It should be noted that a direct connection with Philadelphia is set to launch in 2024.
Traffic analysis by destination
Traffic with the United States experienced the most significant growth compared to 2019. While the UK remains the top international market, other markets, such as Italy, Greece, and Tunisia, also show a positive momentum. Furthermore, domestic traffic, accounting for 26% of total activity, has slightly decreased, mainly due to a reduced offering on the Nice-Orly route.
The importance of cross-country connections
Cross-country connections within France continue to grow, now accounting for 40% of domestic routes. These connections, such as those to Bordeaux, Nantes, Caen, or Biarritz, address a specific need that is hard to cover by other means of transport.
« Directly connecting the Côte d’Azur to major cities in the region and developing direct routes to international capitals is the easiest way to meet the transportation needs of the residents of the Côte d’Azur and all those who come to visit us. That’s the whole challenge of responsible and necessary air transport “, explains Franck Goldnadel.
Connectivity – Nice Côte d’Azur France
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport Connected to New York for the First Time in Winter Thanks to La Compagnie
- Delta Boston–Nice: direct route inaugurated in May 2026
- Twin Jet new routes Nice–Olbia and Nice–Menorca summer 2026
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport Terminal 2 extension: 23,000 sq m and capacity increased to 18 million passengers
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport summer 2026: a record network of 130 destinations
- Cork–Nice: Direct Aer Lingus service from May 2026
- €2.8 billion in economic impact in 2024 for Nice Côte d’Azur and Cannes-Mandelieu Airports
- The Côte d’Azur is emerging as a testing ground for decarbonised air mobility
