Urbanism / France-USA-Today
A new era for Riviera aviation
Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur is the elegant gateway where the glamour of the Riviera meets the art of seamless travel.
Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur
As Chairman of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, Franck Goldnadel is reshaping the role of regional air ports in global aviation. Spanning Nice Côte d’Azur, Cannes Mandelieu, and Saint-Tropez, the airport group is not just an elegant entry point to the French Riviera, but a strategic catalyst for transatlantic connectivity, sustainable innovation, and business mobility.
For decades, French aviation centered on Paris – but post-COVID, airlines are pivoting to regional hubs for more direct, efficient routes. This transformation has catapulted Nice to the forefront, as airlines now fly directly from major U.S. cities, including New York, Newark, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
“We’re building an airport ecosystem that reflects the dynamic, forward-thinking spirit of the region,” says Goldnadel, underscoring the 330 annual U.S. flights, 14,7 million passengers, and over $57 million sustainability fund.
Nice’s catchment area reaches far beyond the city itself. The airport serves Monaco, Genoa, and Marseille, and increasingly, the business communities in tech hubs like Sophia Antipolis, yachting centers in Monaco, and cultural industries in Cannes and Grasse.
While U.S. travelers still account for the majority of long-haul traffic, with 70% of American visitors coming for leisure, the balance is shifting. Goldnadel points to the growing business demand, citing Delta’s year-round service from New York and United’s extended seasonal operations.
The airport group’s reach spans continents: Montreal is growing, Toronto’s in view, and a daily A380 f light by Emirates links the region to Asia. Routes to Tunis and Algiers serve diaspora and business travel, while private aviation is booming – Cannes Mandelieu saw a 23% spike last year, driven by events like the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival.
“We’re building an airport ecosystem that reflects the dynamic, forward-thinking spirit of the region.”
Sustainability is central to Goldnadel’s vision. Since 2018, Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur has cut emissions by 95% and targets full carbon neutrality by 2030. Initiatives include solar power, electric ground ops, sustainable fuel, and a “Zero Piston” policy saving 12,000 tons of CO2 annually. The group is also gearing up for hydrogen-powered flight and cleaner aircraft adoption.
Nice Airport’s $138 million upgrade combines eco-design with efficiency: faster entry via auto mated gates for American, Canadian, and EU travelers, curated retail, and local art. Behind the scenes, smarter IT and baggage systems ensure smooth operations – even during disruptions.
In short, for American travelers and investors alike, the skies over the Riviera are open for business – and increasingly, for the future.
