Full Breakdown
Near Miss at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport: Investigation Launched
9/24/2025, 11:39:23 PM
Incident Overview
On September 21, 2025, a serious incident occurred at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) involving two Airbus A320 aircraft: a Nouvelair flight (BJ586) arriving from Tunis and an easyJet flight (U24706) preparing for takeoff to Nantes. The incident, which took place around 11:30 PM local time, saw the Nouvelair aircraft mistakenly approach the wrong runway, leading to a near collision that was narrowly avoided. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed that a catastrophe was averted, stating, “A collision between the two aircraft was narrowly avoided.”
Sequence of Events
As the easyJet aircraft was cleared to line up on runway 04R, the Nouvelair flight was cleared to land on the parallel runway 04L. However, due to poor visibility caused by stormy weather and thick fog, the Nouvelair pilots mistakenly aligned their approach with runway 04R, where the easyJet plane was already positioned. Eyewitness accounts reported that the Nouvelair aircraft passed just three meters above the easyJet plane, initiating a go-around maneuver at a dangerously low altitude of 50 feet. The easyJet flight experienced significant turbulence as the Nouvelair jet flew overhead, causing passengers to feel strong vibrations.
Investigative Actions
In response to the incident, the French Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) launched an investigation to determine the precise circumstances leading to the near miss. Investigators are analyzing flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and witness statements to ascertain whether the incident was due to pilot error, communication failures with air traffic control, or adverse weather conditions. The DGAC, France's civil aviation authority, has also initiated a separate probe. Preliminary reports suggest that the Nouvelair pilot made an error in runway alignment.
Passenger Reactions and Impact
Passengers on the easyJet flight reported a state of shock following the incident. One passenger described the captain as visibly shaken, stating, “We saw the head pilot leave the cockpit, he was crying, and his hands were shaking.” The easyJet flight was ultimately canceled, and passengers were accommodated overnight. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew of either aircraft.
Official Statements
Philippe Tabarot emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, “I immediately requested that an investigation be opened by the BEA to shed full light on the precise circumstances of this event.” An easyJet spokesperson reiterated the airline's commitment to safety, stating, “The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with the safety investigation.”
Criticism and Accountability
The incident has drawn criticism towards the Nouvelair pilots, with airport management indicating that the error was primarily their responsibility. The BEA has cautioned against premature conclusions, but initial findings suggest that the poor weather conditions may have contributed to the confusion regarding runway alignment.
Conclusion
The near miss at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport highlights the critical importance of communication and situational awareness in aviation, particularly under challenging weather conditions. As investigations continue, the findings will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future.
