Story perspectives

Near-Collision at Nice Airport Sparks Investigations into Pilot Errors

9/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

On September 21, 2025, at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, a near-collision occurred between Nouvelair Airbus A320 and easyJet Airbus A320, 10 feet apart.
The Nouvelair Airbus A320 misidentified the runway in thick fog, prompting a go-around to avoid a crash.
The easyJet Airbus A320 flight was canceled; BEA and the French prosecutor opened investigations into pilot error and communication failures.

History

Historical Context

The 2002 Überlingen mid-air collision, which killed 71 people, exposed critical air traffic control failures, prompting the International Civil Aviation Organization to enforce stricter communication protocols. The recent near-collision at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport highlights persistent aviation safety challenges, particularly in adverse weather, as investigations by the Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses may lead to new regulations to enhance safety measures.

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Story summary

On September 21, 2025, at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, a near-collision occurred between Nouvelair Airbus A320 and easyJet Airbus A320, 10 feet apart.
The Nouvelair Airbus A320 misidentified the runway in thick fog, prompting a go-around to avoid a crash.
The easyJet Airbus A320 flight was canceled; BEA and the French prosecutor opened investigations into pilot error and communication failures.

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