Monaco has ended Monacair’s exclusive position on the scheduled helicopter route to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, authorising two operators to compete on the seven-minute connection.
Monacair and Héli Air Monaco can now both operate scheduled services between Monaco Heliport and Nice airport until 31st December 2026.
The decision marks a significant change to the route. Monacair had held the exclusive Monegasque concession since 1st January 2016, after winning a government tender the previous autumn and taking over the line from Héli Air Monaco, which had operated the connection since 1976. That ten-year concession expired at the end of last year.
Two operators and a capped fare
Both companies must offer a scheduled service seven days a week, with departure times published in advance.
The government has capped the basic ticket price at €195 including tax. Operators can charge less or offer promotions, but the standard scheduled fare cannot exceed that amount. The ceiling does not apply to private helicopter charters.
For passengers, the introduction of a second operator could mean more departure choices, greater seat availability during busy periods and increased competition over prices and services.
However, the order does not specify how many daily flights each company must provide. The practical impact will depend on the schedules and fares published by Monacair and Héli Air Monaco.
Safety and service requirements
Both operators must provide a premium service using aircraft equipped for VIP passengers.
Their fleets must be certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and comply with noise-limitation standards. The companies must also meet aviation safety-reporting requirements and cannot outsource the route to another carrier without prior government approval, except in limited circumstances.
The order also requires both companies to respect fair-competition rules.
New agreement between Monaco and France
The change follows a memorandum signed by the French and Monegasque aviation authorities on 3rd June. From 31st July, each country gained the right to designate two carriers for the route.
The helicopter connection takes approximately seven minutes, compared with a road journey that can take 45 minutes or considerably longer during peak Riviera traffic. It is particularly important for international travellers because Monaco does not have its own commercial airport.
The current authorisations are temporary and expire at the end of 2026, meaning the government will need to decide how the route will operate from 2027.
Ministerial Order no. 2026-457 was signed on 7th August and published in the Journal de Monaco on 14th August.
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Photo of Monaco credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life. AI generated helicopters overlay