Wrong Runway Approach at Nice: How Parallel Runway Confusion Nearly Caused Catastrophe

The Nightmare Scenario

Every Training Captain Fears After 15 years of training pilots through type ratings and simulator checks, I've seen countless approach scenarios go wrong in the safety of the sim. But what happened at Nice Airport on September 21st, 2025, represents every instructor's worst nightmare playing out in real life - and it's a stark reminder of how quickly parallel runway operations can turn deadly. A Nouvelair Airbus A320-200 crew found themselves in a scenario that transforms routine approaches into life-or-death situations: approaching the wrong runway with another aircraft positioned for takeoff on that exact runway. 

The Critical Sequence of Events

The incident unfolded with terrifying precision. Flight BJ-586 from Tunis was cleared for approach to runway 04L at Nice, but the crew lined up for the parallel runway 04R instead. This isn't just a simple navigation error - it's a breakdown in the fundamental processes that keep aviation safe. What makes this incident particularly chilling is the presence of an EasyJet Europe A320 (OE-IJZ) positioned on runway 04R, cleared and ready for departure. As the Nouvelair aircraft continued its approach, the two aircraft were on a collision course that would have resulted in one of aviation's worst disasters. According to ADS-B data analysis, the Nouvelair A320 crossed the runway 04R threshold at 50 feet above ground level. The crew had just 6 seconds from threshold crossing to go-around initiation - a margin so thin it defies comprehension.

Environmental Factors That Amplify Risk 

The weather conditions during this incident created the perfect storm for confusion and error. Nice was experiencing thunderstorms with rain and variable winds up to 35 knots. As any experienced pilot knows, these conditions significantly increase workload and can mask critical visual and auditory cues that normally help maintain situational awareness. Variable winds of this magnitude create unstable approach conditions, requiring constant control inputs and increased attention to aircraft handling. When you combine this with reduced visibility from precipitation and the stress of thunderstorm avoidance, the cognitive load on the flight crew increases exponentially.

The Parallel Runway Challenge 

Nice Airport's parallel runway configuration (04L/04R) represents one of aviation's most demanding operational environments. The visual similarity between parallel runways, especially during challenging weather conditions, creates what we call "expectation bias" - pilots see what they expect to see rather than what's actually there. During type rating training, we extensively cover parallel runway operations because the consequences of confusion are so severe. The key differentiators that crews must identify and verify include: 
- Runway lighting patterns and intensity
- Approach path alignment with navigation aids
- Visual references and airport geometry
- ATC communications and clearance verification

Critical Decision Making Under Pressure

The Nouvelair crew's decision to execute a go-around at such a late stage demonstrates both good and concerning aspects of their airmanship. The positive aspect is their recognition that something was wrong and their willingness to abandon the approach. However, the timing suggests the error wasn't recognized until they were already committed to a dangerous situation. In simulator training, we teach pilots to recognize runway confusion much earlier in the approach sequence. The ideal intervention points include: 

- Initial approach clearance confirmation
- Course deviation alerts during intermediate approach
- Visual confirmation during final approach segment
- Cross-checking with approach charts and navigation displays

The Investigation and Industry Response

The French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis (BEA) responded immediately, dispatching four investigators to Nice. This level of response indicates the serious nature of the incident and the potential for systemic issues that need addressing. Investigations of this type typically examine: - Crew training and recent experience - Airport procedures and runway markings - ATC communications and clearance delivery - Weather impact on decision-making - Aircraft systems and navigation equipment performance 

Lessons for Professional Pilots

 This incident reinforces several critical principles that every professional pilot must internalize:

- Enhanced Situational Awareness: In complex airport environments, especially during challenging weather, crews must maintain heightened awareness of their position relative to all runway surfaces.

- Cross-Checking Procedures: Every approach clearance must be verified against multiple sources - navigation displays, approach charts, visual references, and crew communication. 

- Go-Around Decision Making: While the Nouvelair crew ultimately made the right decision to go around, earlier recognition would have prevented the dangerous proximity to the EasyJet aircraft. 

The Broader Safety Implications

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in aviation safety as air traffic density increases and airport operations become more complex. Parallel runway operations, while essential for capacity, introduce risks that require constant vigilance and robust procedures. For pilots preparing for type ratings or advancing in their careers, incidents like this underscore the importance of comprehensive training that goes beyond basic aircraft systems. Understanding airport operations, human factors, and decision-making under pressure becomes increasingly critical as you progress toward captain positions. 

Moving Forward 

The aviation industry will undoubtedly learn from this near-miss, potentially implementing enhanced procedures for parallel runway operations and crew training protocols. However, the immediate lesson for every professional pilot is clear: complacency in approach procedures can have catastrophic consequences. As training captains, we use these real-world examples to illustrate why seemingly routine procedures matter so much. The difference between a successful career and a career-ending mistake often comes down to the discipline to follow proper procedures even when everything seems routine. The Nouvelair and EasyJet crews walked away from this incident, but the margin for error was measured in feet and seconds. Next time, we might not be so fortunate.