In a year where many airports have struggled to recapture their pre-pandemic glory, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport has done more than just bounce back — it’s practically pirouetting on the tarmac. With 14.8 million passengers in 2024, it not only smashed past the 14.2 million mark from 2023 but also left its 2019 peak eating jet fuel dust. And no, that’s not a typo — this is official record-breaking altitude.
What’s driving this jet-set explosion? Well, apart from the obvious allure of sipping rosé by the Mediterranean, a key engine behind the numbers is Monaco — our glamorous microstate that punches way above its weight. Whether it’s the Grand Prix, the Yacht Show, or a rotating carousel of luxury trade shows and world-class exhibitions, Monaco keeps those arrivals flowing year-round. It’s not just about beaches and baguettes anymore — it’s business, it’s glitz, it’s the Monaco effect.
Direct Connection to Bucharest
And speaking of fresh arrivals, Nice Airport just unwrapped another shiny route: a direct connection to Bucharest, thanks to the nimble young airline AnimaWings. Kicking off on April 17th with a slick Airbus A220, this seasonal service will run until October 23rd, connecting the French Riviera to Romania’s buzzing capital twice a week — Thursdays and Sundays (with just Thursdays in April for the soft launch crowd).
With prices as breezy as €85 and no passport checks required thanks to Romania’s new Schengen status, this new route makes it easier than ever for Monaco and the Riviera crowd to discover Bucharest’s eclectic charm – and for Romanians to hit the Côte d’Azur. Weekend getaway? Business blitz? Family reunion fueled by wine and exquisite dining ? All aboard.
Meanwhile, Nice Airport isn’t just coasting on its popularity — it’s gearing up for more. Terminal 2 is expanding, set to handle up to 18 million passengers annually by this summer. So, whether you’re jetting in for jazz festivals, yacht ogling, or a Monaco-based tech summit, the runway is getting ready for you.
