Nice Côte d’Azur Airport: Terminal 2 expansion inaugurated, capacity increased to 18 million passengers

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport inaugurates new Terminal 2 expansion

The expansion of Terminal 2 at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport has been officially inaugurated, marking a major milestone for one of Europe’s key aviation hubs and the second-largest airport in France.

The ceremony gathered high-level institutional and industry representatives, highlighting the strategic importance of the project for the entire French Riviera region.

With this development, the airport’s capacity rises to 18 million passengers per year, reinforcing its role as a major gateway between France, Italy, and Monaco.

A 23,000 m² expansion designed to enhance passenger experience

Designed by architect Stéphane Aurel, the Terminal 2 extension adds approximately 23,000 m² of new space, increasing passenger areas by 31%.

The goal is to significantly improve passenger flow for both Schengen and non-Schengen traffic, reducing congestion and enhancing service quality.

Key upgrades include:

• Expanded extra-Schengen departure area
• New passport control facilities
• VIP lounge and retail spaces
• Direct access to aircraft stands without shuttle buses
• 36 new check-in counters
• Advanced baggage handling system

Full implementation will be completed ahead of the summer 2026 season.

Innovation and environmental sustainability

The project places strong emphasis on sustainability and green infrastructure.

Key environmental features include:

• Over 10% of energy supplied by renewable sources

• Geothermal systems and photovoltaic panels
• Reduction or stabilization of CO₂ emissions (scope 1 and 2)
• Independent environmental monitoring during construction

The extension is part of the Nice EcoVallée development area and has been designed to meet high environmental standards while protecting the Var plain ecosystem.

A strategic hub for France, Italy and Monaco

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport plays a crucial role in connecting a large cross-border region that includes southeastern France, northern Italy, and the Principality of Monaco.

In 2024, the airport’s activity generated:

• 39,600 full-time jobs
• €2.7 billion in GDP for France
• €2.1 billion for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region
• €3.3 billion in total tourism-related economic impact

These figures confirm the airport’s central role in regional economic development.

A long-term industrial vision

According to airport authorities and Mundys Group leadership, the Terminal 2 expansion is a strategic investment aimed at improving operational efficiency, passenger experience, and regional competitiveness.

The project strengthens the airport’s position as a modern, sustainable, and high-performance infrastructure while maintaining strong ties with local stakeholders.

With the Terminal 2 expansion, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport consolidates its status as a key Mediterranean hub, combining capacity growth, technological innovation, and environmental responsibility.

A major step forward that reinforces the French Riviera’s role as an international gateway for tourism, business, and global mobility.