Dozens of New Flight Routes to the French Riviera to Launch in 2026

 

The French Riviera is preparing for a major boost in air connectivity, as dozens of new flight routes to and from France are set to launch in 2026 — with a strong focus on the Côte d’Azur. The region, already a world-renowned destination for luxury, leisure, and innovation, is expected to see significant growth in both international and regional air traffic.

Expanding Horizons from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport

At the heart of this expansion is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), France’s second-busiest airport after Paris. In 2024, it handled nearly 15 million passengers, serving more than 120 destinations across 45 countries. Now, with the surge in global travel demand and increased interest in the Riviera as a year-round destination, airlines are responding with new long-haul and short-haul connections.

One of the most anticipated announcements is from Delta Air Lines, which will introduce a direct flight between Boston and Nice beginning May 17, 2026. The route will operate three times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — and marks an important step in strengthening ties between the U.S. and the south of France. This new transatlantic link will make it easier for American travelers and business professionals to reach the Riviera without needing to transit through Paris or London.

New International and Regional Routes

Beyond North America, several European and Middle Eastern carriers are also expanding their offerings. EasyJet, one of Nice Airport’s main operators, is adding new destinations for the winter 2025/2026 season, including Hurghada, Egypt, highlighting the Riviera’s growing appeal as a launch point for year-round travel.

Meanwhile, a pioneering step in sustainable regional transport is taking shape. Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur has partnered with Lilium N.V. and UrbanV to introduce electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft — known as air taxis — by 2026. These zero-emission jets are expected to connect key Riviera destinations such as Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille in minutes, signaling the dawn of a new era in eco-friendly air mobility.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The new flight routes are expected to have a significant impact on the regional economy, creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and investment. The Boston–Nice route, in particular, is designed to boost “economic, tourist, and cultural ties” between the United States and southern France.

For the hospitality and real estate sectors, increased flight connectivity will likely encourage off-season travel and longer stays, while also strengthening the Riviera’s reputation as a hub for international business, events, and conferences.

Looking Ahead

While some of the new routes will initially operate on a seasonal basis, their success could lead to permanent year-round service. The challenge will be to balance growing passenger volumes with sustainable development — ensuring the Riviera’s airports remain efficient, environmentally conscious, and well connected to ground transport networks.

As the world’s airlines continue to invest in new routes and technologies, the French Riviera is clearly positioning itself as one of Europe’s most accessible and forward-thinking destinations.

By 2026, travelers can expect smoother, greener, and more diverse travel options to reach the glittering coastline — whether arriving from Boston, Cairo, or Marseille. The skies over the Côte d’Azur are about to get a lot busier — and brighter.