A preliminary investigation into last month’s near-collision at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport has confirmed that a runway error was behind the incident. The revelation comes just days after France’s Transport Minister announced new staffing and biometric measures to tighten oversight in the control tower.
The Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) has confirmed that on the night of 21st September, a Nouvelair aircraft began its descent towards the wrong runway — one already occupied by a departing easyJet flight. The two aircraft came within three metres of one another before the Nouvelair pilot initiated an emergency go-around.
The BEA’s 23-page preliminary report reveals that air traffic control had instructed the Tunisian aircraft to land on runway 4L at least five times. However, the pilot mistakenly aligned with runway 4R, where the easyJet jet was waiting for clearance to take off. The report, according to local media, also notes that runway layout, lighting intensity and poor weather may have contributed to the confusion.
Although not yet definitive, the findings underline just how close Nice came to disaster. The BEA writes: “The aircraft was 10 feet above the ground and therefore from the easyJet aircraft when the go-around was initiated.”
Minister: “We must guarantee performance and vigilance”
Just days before the release of the BEA report, France’s Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot appeared on BFM Nice Côte d’Azur to outline the government’s immediate response. He announced the deployment of 30 new air-traffic controllers across the south-east region within the next three years, including several at Nice.
“These reinforcements had already been planned,” said Tabarot, “but this incident confirms just how necessary they are.”
In a further move to strengthen accountability, the minister also confirmed that biometric badges will be installed at the Nice control tower to monitor staff presence in real time.
“This is about rationalising the organisation and guaranteeing performance,” he said. “Everyone must be at their post, fully focused on the mission.”
Pressure mounts on France’s third busiest airport
Nice Airport handles more than 14 million passengers each year and is one of France’s most active regional hubs. But recent internal concerns from control tower staff — including issues with staffing, narrow runway widths, and inconsistent lighting — have exposed growing operational pressure.
Tabarot acknowledged the strain: “Nice Airport is handling practically the same traffic as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, but with equivalent staffing levels.”
The government had already launched a full inspection of the control towers at Nice and Aix-Marseille in July, citing “underperformance and significant delays”.
Full findings still to come, but changes already underway
While the BEA’s final report has yet to be completed, the government is moving ahead with reform. The incident has triggered public scrutiny and urgent calls for improved oversight.
“Safety relies on precision and human reliability,” said the minister. “We will draw all necessary conclusions to ensure the safety of our citizens and passengers.”
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti