2024 was a record-breaking year for Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, which includes Nice Airport. In addition to surpassing the benchmark of passenger numbers set in 2019, the group embraced the dual challenge of addressing the region’s growing travel needs while improving sustainability efforts.
Some 14.7 million passengers passed through Nice Côte d’Azur Airport’s two commercial terminals in 2024, up from the previous record of 14.5 million travellers set in the pre-Covid year of 2019 and considerably more than the 14.2 million who frequented the airport in 2023. Indeed, close to 3.5 million people passed through the airport in July and August 2024 alone – with more than 63,000 passengers recorded on the busiest day of the year, 2nd August.
When all aviation sectors are considered —commercial, business and helicopter traffic— the annual passenger figure for 2024 rises to 14.8 million.
General aviation traffic handled by Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur experienced modest growth last year, increasing by 1.15% overall. Traffic at Nice Airport rose by 2.5%, while activity at the smaller airports in Cannes and Saint-Tropez remained stable.
An unprecedented network of destinations
Last year, passengers travelling through Nice Côte d’Azur Airport had access to an unprecedented global network of 122 destinations across 45 countries, including more than a dozen long-haul connections: five routes to the United States, two to Canada and six to the Gulf nations.
See more: Nice Airport announces new United Airlines flight to Washington DC
“Directly connecting the Côte d’Azur to major cities in the region and developing direct routes to international capitals is the way to responsibly meet the transport needs of the Côte d’Azur residents and all those who come to visit us,” says Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur. “This is the challenge of sustainable and necessary air transport.”
Cutting emissions
Environmental studies conducted in 2024 revealed a promising outlook for the group despite the increase in traffic.
By the close of 2024, Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur had achieved a reduction of over 93% in emissions within their direct control, with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport alone recording a 95% reduction compared to 2013 levels.
On this topic, Goldnadel highlights the collective efforts of the aviation industry, saying, “Between the efforts made by the airport on its own emissions and those linked to stopover phases, and the efforts made by the entire aeronautics sector to decarbonise its operations, all stakeholders are committed to reducing the environmental impact of air transport.”
By 2034, the group’s greenhouse gas emissions are projected to decrease by 11% compared to 2024, thanks to advancements in infrastructure and lower-emission aircraft.
Upgrades and renovations
Infrastructural enhancements continued at Nice’s Terminal 2 during 2024, with the goal of better accommodating evolving passenger needs.
A revamped international boarding lounge, commercial spaces and a new airport lounge are set to debut ahead of the 2025 high season and the UN Ocean Conference, which will be held in Nice.
See more: Lanzarote, Madrid and Prague among easyJet’s new winter routes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Additional upgrades, including new check-in and baggage facilities, are planned through early 2026, with the objective of increasing the airport’s annual capacity from 14 million to 18 million passengers.
Read related:
International passenger numbers soared at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport this summer
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Photo source: Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur
