Nouvelair A320 Nearly Collides with EasyJet Plane During Wrong-Runway Landing at Nice

French investigators have revealed that a Nouvelair Airbus A320 came dangerously close—reportedly less than 10 feet—from an EasyJet A320 during a wrong-runway landing attempt at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. The incident, which occurred on September 21, involved the Nouvelair crew mistakenly aligning with runway 04R instead of the assigned 04L, prompting a serious safety investigation by France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA).

According to preliminary findings, the Nouvelair A320 was cleared to land on runway 04L but instead lined up with 04R, where an EasyJet aircraft was positioned and awaiting departure clearance. The approach took place at night, and investigators noted that the lighting intensity on 04R is “significantly brighter” than on 04L, which may have contributed to the confusion.

BEA’s data shows the Nouvelair aircraft descended to a radio altimeter reading of 10 feet as it passed directly above the EasyJet plane. The A320’s fuselage stands about 20 feet high, with the vertical fin reaching roughly 39 feet—meaning the two aircraft came within only a few feet of one another. An automated altitude callout at 20 feet and a “retard” thrust instruction sounded moments before the tower ordered the Nouvelair pilots to go around.

Despite the proximity, the Nouvelair aircraft’s landing gear did not touch the runway, and the crew successfully executed a go-around before landing safely on runway 04L about 16 minutes later.

Investigators are examining how the crew continued their approach despite the wrong alignment and how tower controllers handled the situation. The EasyJet aircraft, which had been instructed to line up and hold on 04R, later returned to the apron.

The BEA has also highlighted that Nice Airport’s current operational configuration—using the northern runway (04L) for landings and the southern (04R) for departures—differs from standard practice at most airports. The system was implemented to reduce noise pollution over residential areas, but it adds complexity for arriving crews, particularly at night.

The agency will continue analyzing the runway lighting conditions, pilot situational awareness, and air traffic control communications to determine the exact sequence of events and contributing factors.


Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=nouvelair, https://airguide.info/?s=EasyJet, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, flightglobal.com