An incident involving an easyJet plane narrowly avoiding a collision with another aircraft at Nice Côte d’Azur airport in France has sparked an urgent investigation. Passengers onboard the easyJet flight were startled as a Nouvelair jet came dangerously close to their aircraft while attempting to land on the wrong runway.
The near-miss occurred at 11.30 pm on Sunday during severe rain at the airport. The French transport minister, Philippe Tabarot, confirmed that the two aircraft, both Airbus A320s, were carrying over 300 passengers and crew combined. The easyJet pilot reported that only three meters separated the planes.
The airport authorities attributed the incident to an error made by the pilot of the landing Nouvelair Airbus flight from Tunis. However, there is a possibility that the control tower also played a role in the confusion. Flight tracking data showed the Tunisian Airbus approaching the incorrect runway before aborting the landing.
Following the incident, the easyJet flight to Nantes was canceled, leaving passengers visibly shaken. The BEA labeled the event a “serious incident” and grounded both flights for further investigation. The black box recorders have been retrieved, and interviews with pilots and air traffic controllers are scheduled.
An easyJet spokesperson emphasized that passenger and crew safety is their top priority and assured full cooperation with the safety investigation. The BEA cautioned against premature conclusions but confirmed the incorrect approach by Nouvelair’s aircraft.