Nice Airport Expansion Set to Boost Regional Economy and Passenger Capacity
The Nice Côte d'Azur Airport's 140 million euro expansion aims to increase passenger capacity and create thousands of jobs while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
- • Nice Airport handled 14.8 million passengers in 2024 and connects 122 destinations including 13 long-haul routes.
- • The 140 million euro extension will enlarge Terminal 2 by 23,000 m², adding new check-in areas and boarding gates.
- • The project is expected to create 9,000 direct and 40,000 indirect jobs in the region.
- • Environmental standards are prioritized, with zero net land artificialization and use of geothermal and photovoltaic energy.
Key details
The Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, France's second largest, is undergoing a significant expansion to accommodate growing air traffic and bolster regional economic development. Handling 14.8 million passengers in 2024 and connecting 122 destinations across 45 countries, including 13 long-haul routes, the airport is poised to increase its passenger capacity to 18 million.
The extension project, costing 140 million euros, involves a 23,000 m² enlargement of Terminal 2, expected to partially open by spring 2026. It will feature new check-in zones, baggage sorting systems, and additional boarding gates aimed at enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
This expansion is driven not only by rising passenger numbers but also by the airport's role in boosting the attractiveness and connectivity of the region. According to Franck Goldnadel, CEO of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, the project supports economic impact through 9,000 direct and 40,000 indirect jobs linked to airport activities.
Importantly, environmental sustainability is integrated into the project with measures including no net land artificialization and the use of geothermal and photovoltaic energy, maintaining harmony with the nearby Natura 2000 protected area.
Overall, the Nice Airport expansion represents a proactive infrastructure investment aimed at sustaining passenger growth while fostering economic vitality and ecological responsibility in the region.