An easyJet aircraft narrowly avoided a collision with another plane as it was about to take off, prompting an urgent investigation. The incident occurred at Nice Côte d’Azur airport in France when an incoming Nouvelair jet had to apply full power to avoid crashing into the waiting easyJet plane on the runway. The French transport minister, Philippe Tabarot, confirmed the near-miss and ordered an immediate investigation by the air accident investigation branch (BEA).
Both aircraft, both Airbus A320s, were carrying over 300 passengers and crew combined. The pilots of the easyJet flight reported that only three meters separated the planes. The airport management attributed the incident to an error by the pilot of the landing Nouvelair Airbus. However, the control tower could also be at fault as flight tracking data showed the Tunisian Airbus attempting to land on the wrong runway before aborting the landing.
Following the close call, the easyJet flight to Nantes was canceled, and passengers were sent home. The BEA deemed the event a “serious incident” and grounded both flights for investigation. The agency will interview the pilots and air traffic controllers and analyze the flight data recorders. Weather conditions at the time will also be considered.
An easyJet spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety and cooperation with the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the incident.