Two new direct flight connections to New York in 2027
Starting in 2027, two new direct routes will connect New York to Marseille and Nice airports.
They will strengthen the attractiveness of the region Sud to a rapidly growing American clientele.
Starting in spring 2027, two new direct air routes will connect New York to Marseille and Nice airports, consolidating the area's position as a leading destination for the North American market.
For François de Canson, this double opening is a recognition of the region's growing attractiveness and the fruit of long-term promotional work: “This is excellent news and a major step forward for our international attractiveness.”
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Thus, Marseille Provence airport will welcome, starting on June 4, 2027, a daily flight operated by United Airlines from New York-Newark, aboard a latest-generation Airbus A321 XLR.
A booming American market
The economic stakes are considerable. The American market represents a pillar of regional tourism, with nearly 800,000 stays recorded every year.
These visitors are distinguished by a high average length of stay (8.4 days) and significant spending, estimated at more than €134 per day and per person. In total, the economic benefits for the region are close to one billion euros annually.
American overnight stays in regional hotels increased by 14% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Over the longer term, the increase is spectacular: +47% since 2019 and a near doubling in ten years (+95%).
With more than 1.6 million overnight stays recorded in 2025, the region ranks second nationally, just behind Île-de-France, capturing 13% of all American overnight stays in France.
A high-end clientele
The profile of American tourists fits perfectly with the regional development strategy. Largely favoring hotels, they mostly stay in high-end establishments, as nearly three-quarters of their overnight stays are in 4- and 5-star hotels.
Another major asset lies in their contribution to spreading out the tourist season, explains François de Canson: “It is of major interest in terms of seasonality. 38% of American stays take place in spring, compared to 31% during the summer. This is consistent with our strategy: to develop year-round tourism and better distribute visitor numbers over time.”
Already very present, this clientele constitutes the leading international market for hotels in Provence, ahead of Allemagne and the Royaume-Uni, with over 500,000 overnight stays in 2025 (+27% in one year).
A unique double connection in France
The opening of the Marseille-New York route is in addition to another announcement for 2027. Starting May 6, American Airlines will launch a direct connection between New York-JFK and Nice.
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This double connection is a unique asset in France.
“We do not simply want to bring more visitors to Marseille: we want to make them want to discover the whole region, from Provence to the Alpes du Sud, via the Côte d’Azur,” concludes the vice-president of the Région.
Photo PRESSE AGENCE.