The Ecological and Social Alliance 06 has sent an open letter to Franck Goldnadel, chairman of the board of the Côte d’Azur Airports. This collective, which includes several associations and unions, wishes for a public discussion on the expansion of terminal 2.
The expansion project of the Nice airport received a favorable opinion from the public inquiry commission on January 21, published on February 7. This expansion plans for an additional 25,000 square meters with six new boarding rooms and a baggage claim room. The airport, which welcomed 14.8 million passengers in 2023, plans for a partial commissioning in 2025 and completion in early 2026.
Despite this positive opinion, opponents denounce an increase in air traffic and pollution. They estimate the project will result in an additional 30,000 flights per year, a 25% increase in air pollution, and 400,000 more tons of CO2. The environmental impact study was deemed insufficient by the administrative court of appeal in Marseille in December 2023, leading to a new public inquiry. The construction work, however, was never suspended.
A necessary debate according to opponents
In their open letter, the members of the Ecological and Social Alliance 06 state that “the local population, although directly concerned, is poorly informed, both about the project itself and its impacts of all kinds.” They therefore request a discussion with the airport management, accessible to the public and broadcast by local media.
The letter recalls that the public inquiry report highlights the lack of information provided to residents and local stakeholders. The Alliance insists on the necessity of an open and factual debate to allow everyone to assess the project’s consequences. They also propose a private meeting with Franck Goldnadel to thoroughly address the points of disagreement and explore possible alternatives.
The ViVA! collective, also opposed to the project, points out that the terminal’s expansion will encourage an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution, directly impacting the quality of life of nearby residents. Its members also denounce an increased risk of the airport site being submerged due to climate change.
For its part, the airport management assures that “greenhouse gas emissions will be 11% lower than today due to improved infrastructure and ever less emissive aircraft.”
The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes is expected to make a decision soon on the regularization of the building permit. As a last resort, the administrative court of appeal in Marseille will decide on whether the project should proceed.