An extension to Nice Airport’s Terminal 2 has come one step closer with a conditional approval by the investigating commissioner, Fanny Azan-Brulhet.

The aim is to accommodate 18 million passengers by 2022 with six new arrival and departure gates and a new check-in facility. Nice Airport is France’s second-busiest in passenger numbers.

Her approval, which is merely advisory, came with nine conditions, the most important of which is the need to minimise noise nuisance linked to air traffic and to integrate the architecture of the extension into the existing airport buildings.

Opponents of the extension have said they are ready to oppose it through the courts. The 06 citizens’ collective said: “We are now awaiting the decision of the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes to grant or not the building permit for the extension of terminal 2 at Nice Airport.” This decision is expected soon.