French Lawmaker Calls for Suspension of Tunisian Airline's Flights
French MP Éric Ciotti, chairman of the National Assembly's finance committee, addressed a letter to French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Monday, September 29, 2025, requesting the suspension of flights by Tunisian airline Nouvelair in France. Ciotti invoked the precautionary principle, stating that the incident on September 21 at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport raises questions about the airline's "reliability and seriousness."
Incident Details
According to Ciotti, a Nouvelair Airbus A320 took the wrong runway and nearly collided with an EasyJet plane preparing for takeoff. "This incident could have caused a major air disaster," he wrote, calling for the suspension of Nouvelair's flight authorizations, a thorough investigation into its practices, and strict guarantees of compliance with international standards before any resumption of activities.
Incident on September 21
On September 21, Nouvelair flight BJ586 from Tunis to Nice narrowly avoided an accident on runway 04R. The event occurred in extreme weather conditions, with heavy rain, reduced visibility, and gusts of up to 35 knots. The specialized account Global Aviation Spotters – Tunisia HQ highlighted the exploit of the Tunisian pilots, who managed to avoid a collision by less than three meters. In an official statement, Nouvelair confirmed the incident and indicated that an investigation was underway, while reaffirming that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
Debate on Social Media
Ciotti's letter, published on his Facebook page, sparked numerous contrasting reactions. Some internet users deemed his request disproportionate and premature, recalling that the official investigation has not yet delivered its conclusions. Others pointed out that other airlines, including Air France, have experienced serious incidents in the past without having their flights suspended. Professionals in the sector, including Tunisian air traffic controllers, noted that Nouvelair has strict international certifications, such as IOSA, and that its maintenance is ensured by Sabena Technics Monastir, approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency. Others criticized what they saw as a political and stigmatizing approach, questioning the severity targeted at a Tunisian airline.
Reactions and Consequences
While some voices supported immediate firmness, estimating that an incident of this magnitude calls for drastic measures to ensure air safety in Nice and France, others argued that the presumption of innocence should prevail. The case, which remains under investigation, continues to fuel the debate between precaution and presumption of innocence, while reviving sensitivities around Franco-Tunisian relations in the aviation sector.
