As Nice Côte d’Azur Airport gears up for the summer 2026 season, a significant route is opening to the United Kingdom. easyJet, the British low-cost powerhouse, has announced the launch of a brand-new direct route between Nice and Birmingham, reinforcing the Nice airport’s growing status as one of southern Europe’s most dynamic gateways linked to Monaco.
Scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026, the Nice–Birmingham connection will operate twice weekly, offering a fresh and exclusive link between the French Riviera and England’s second most populous city, vying with Manchester. More than a simple addition to the timetable, the route reflects easyJet’s increasingly assertive strategy on the France–UK corridor, and Nice’s rising influence on the European aviation map.
Birmingham Joins the Riviera Network
With a population of 1.17 million inhabitants (2023), Birmingham sits at the heart of England’s economic and cultural life, ranking just behind London and vying with Manchester. By linking Nice and the Principality of Monaco directly to this major urban centre, easyJet is tapping into demand from both leisure travellers seeking Mediterranean sunshine and business passengers drawn to Monaco and the Riviera’s international profile.
Tickets for the route are already on sale, starting at an introductory fare of €45, signalling the airline’s intention to stimulate traffic quickly and position the service as a competitive, accessible option.
The Birmingham launch forms part of a broader expansion plan unveiled by easyJet at the end of November.
Elsewhere in France, the airline is also introducing a new route between Montpellier and Manchester (from March 30, 2026). Together, these additions will bring the number of UK–France routes operated by easyJet to around fifty, underlining the airline’s role as a key connector across the Channel including those wishing to travel to and from Monaco.
Nice Airport: A Hub on the Rise
For Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, the Birmingham announcement is the latest in a succession of strategic gains. In spring 2026, Newcastle will also become reachable from Nice, with three weekly flights, alongside a wave of new European and Mediterranean destinations launched throughout 2025, including Düsseldorf, Madrid, Lamezia Terme, Santorini, and Hurghada.
The momentum doesn’t stop with easyJet. Recent months have seen increased activity from several international carriers:
• Air Corsica (Florence)
• United Airlines (Washington)
• Air Canada (Montreal)
• Animawings (Bucharest)
• Chalair Aviation (Brive-la-Gaillarde)
This steady flow of new services highlights the airport’s appeal to both traditional and long-haul operators. With 14.8 million passengers estimated in 2024, 122 destinations, and connections spanning 45 countries, Nice Côte d’Azur continues to consolidate its position as a major international hub, particularly in the fast-growing transatlantic market and so well connected Monaco which is a powerful magnet attracting visitors.
A Strategic Flight, Beyond the Schedule
The arrival of Birmingham on Nice’s route map reflects a shift in travel patterns, favouring direct, regional connections over congested mega-hubs, and a growing appetite among UK travellers for year-round access to the Mediterranean.
For the Riviera and Monaco , it means greater visibility in the English Midlands; for Birmingham, it offers a seamless gateway to Europe’s most desirable destinations. As summer 2026 approaches, this new route stands as another signal that Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is not simply expanding, it is redefining its place in European air travel and making Monaco ever more accessible to European travellers.
