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Day: 16 October 2026

Monaco ties Nice helicopter operating rights to sustainable-fuel commitment

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/10/2026

The right to operate Monaco’s seven-minute helicopter link to Nice airport will now come with an environmental commitment: applicants must pledge to use at least 20% sustainable aviation fuel once it becomes available at Monaco Heliport. Environmental performance will also carry greater weight, where appropriate, when competing applications are assessed.

The conditions form part of a new call for applications for traffic rights between the Principality and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, published in the Journal de Monaco on Friday 16th October.

The 20% sustainable aviation fuel requirement will be measured as an annual average. It will apply once the fuel becomes available at Monaco Heliport, although the order gives no date for its introduction.

The text also restricts eligibility to aircraft described as decarbonised or using fuel with a prospect of decarbonisation in the short term. When applications compete, greater importance may be given to the environmental performance of both the aircraft and their operations.

Successful carriers must honour the commitments made in their applications or risk having their operating authorisation suspended or withdrawn.

The next stage for the Monaco–Nice route

The application process follows the opening of the scheduled route to competition earlier this year. A memorandum signed by French and Monegasque aviation authorities on 3rd June allows each country to designate two carriers.

As Monaco Life reported in August, Monacair and Héli Air Monaco received permission to operate scheduled services until 31st December 2026, ending Monacair’s exclusive position on the connection.

See also:

Monacair monopoly ends as Monaco approves second Nice helicopter operator

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Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Direction de la Communication 

Football: Monaco open Europa Conference League campaign with a win

by: Luke Entwistle
16/10/2026
Ansu Fati celebates his first goal of the season for Monaco in Bulgaria

AS Monaco extended their unbeaten run to the season by opening their Europa Conference League campaign with a win over CSKA Sofia (1-2) on Thursday night.

Monaco raced into the lead in Bulgaria thanks to a goal from the returning Paris Brunner. The German has been one of the breakout stars of the Ligue 1 season but missed last weekend’s draw to Toulouse (2-2) through suspension. Back on the pitch, he was back on the scoresheet within three minutes, finishing off a move that was initiated by another returning face, that of Takumi Minamino, who is easing his way back following last season’s ACL injury.

It wasn’t the prettiest of goals but the deflection from Stanis Idumbo’s initial effort fell fortuitously for Brunner, whose finish into the roof of the net was emphatic. The German had quickly found his range and went close to doubling his tally on the night, but from the edge of the box put a driven effort just wide of the far post.

A night for Monaco’s returning faces in Bulgaria

This was a night of reintroductions and it was then Ansu Fati’s turn to remind Monaco what they had been missing. The Spaniard’s move to Monaco from Barcelona was made permanent over the summer. However, injury had prevented him from featuring. In what was his first start, he was keen to make a mark. Fati did so with a left-footed effort from the edge of the box. It was another move involving the returning duo of Minamino and Brunner; the latter laid on the assist and Monaco were cruising. They would have been out of sight if Brunner had finished a much more presentable chance on the stroke of half time.

But this was a game that thereafter followed a familiar trajectory. Monaco took their foot off the accelerator at half-time against RC Lens but got away with it just before the international break. The same wasn’t the case against Toulouse. The Principality club were pegged back by Le TĂ©FĂ©Cé over the weekend, despite returning to the dressing room with a two-goal advantage.

LuĂ­s dismissed “favourites” tag

There was less control and incision in particular from Filipe LuĂ­s’ side in the second half. Still, there was a greater defensive resiliance than over the weekend, despite the absence of Eric Dier, who missed out with some muscular discomfort.

It would nonetheless be another nervy finish for Les MonĂ©gasques. Joel Zwarts ensured that was the case with a sharp finish from one of CSKA Sofia’s many set-piece chances.  Monaco had 20 minutes to cling on and cling on they did. Not only does it extend LuĂ­s’ unbeaten run as Monaco manager to nine games in all competitions, it also that they begin a European campaign that holds great promise with an important away win.

LuĂ­s insisted pre-match that Monaco couldn’t be considered “the favourites”, but they have set out their stall early and must be considered as one of them. One of their opponents later in the League Phase, Brighton and Hove Albion, are another. “For me, it is a big win,” said the Brazilian, who continues to impress in the dugout. It is a win that extends what becomes an increasingly impressive unbeaten run, but more importantly, it ensures that a highly anticipated European campaign begins on a strong footing. A trip to a hostile Eastern European stadium is a significant hurdle to overcome. Others await.

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Photo source: AS Monaco