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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) scores higher overall at 7.6/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Score comparison

Metric Nice Côte d'Azur Airport East Midlands Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.6 6.7
On-Time Performance 7.4 6.5
Passenger Experience 7.5 6.6
Facilities & Comfort 7.9 6.9
Lounge Score 7.5 6.4
City Nice Derby
Country France United Kingdom
Terminals 2 terminals (T1, T2) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 14M+ 4M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy NCE — Nice EMA — East
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Nice, France · NCE · #1 in this comparison

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

2 terminals (T1, T2) · 14M+ passengers/year

7.6 / 10

How good is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport?

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) scores 7.6/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.4), passenger experience (7.5), and facilities (7.9). Lounge quality rates 7.5/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Nice NCE scores 7.6/10 — French Riviera gateway. Bus 98 to Nice centre ~20 min. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-france-2026 and /guides/nice-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.6 Very Good
On-time 7.4 Departure reliability
Experience 7.5 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.5 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.4
Passenger Experience
7.5
Facilities & Comfort
7.9
Lounge score 7.5/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK gateway to French Riviera — Monaco 30 min, Cannes 45 min by road
  • easyJet largest carrier from LGW/STN; BA from Heathrow; seasonal Jet2 from regional UK
  • Compare CDG (/airports/cdg) for Paris — Nice is leisure-focused, not a connection hub
  • EU261 applies; UK261 on UK-return legs

Overview

French Riviera gateway — easyJet, BA, and Jet2 from UK for Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Provence with dense summer schedule.

Riviera access

Helicopter transfers to Monaco available but expensive. Uber and taxis signed landside; traffic heavy Jul–Aug on A8 motorway.

For Provence lavender season (Jun–Jul), NCE is the primary UK fly-in airport.

Derby, United Kingdom · EMA · #2 in this comparison

East Midlands Airport

1 terminal · 4M+ passengers/year

6.7 / 10

How good is East Midlands Airport?

East Midlands Airport (EMA) scores 6.7/10 (Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.5), passenger experience (6.6), and facilities (6.9). Lounge quality rates 6.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

East Midlands EMA scores 6.7/10 — Nottingham/Derby/Leicester gateway. Ryanair and Jet2 hub. Aspire Lounge for Priority Pass. Bus and rail via East Midlands Parkway. UK261 applies.

FlightLogic Score 6.7 Good
On-time 6.5 Departure reliability
Experience 6.6 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 6.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 6.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
6.5
Passenger Experience
6.6
Facilities & Comfort
6.9
Lounge score 6.4/10

Highlights

  • Serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincolnshire without Birmingham or East Coast rail positioning
  • Ryanair and Jet2 base — dense Europe and Mediterranean leisure network
  • Aspire Lounge accepts Priority Pass — limited hours; pre-book recommended
  • UK261 on all UK departures; compare /airports/birmingham for Emirates long-haul

Overview

Midlands cargo and leisure airport between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester — Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI with strong DHL freight operations.

Midlands positioning

EMA sits between the M1 and A50 with bus links to Nottingham and Derby. East Midlands Parkway rail station is a short bus ride — useful for London St Pancras connections via LNER.

For long-haul, Birmingham (7.2/10) offers daily Emirates to Dubai; EMA is short-haul focused.

FAQ

Which is better, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport or East Midlands Airport?

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) scores higher overall at 7.6/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Which has better lounges, NCE or EMA?

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) scores higher for lounges at 7.5/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, NCE or EMA?

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) has stronger on-time performance at 7.4/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.