Just under four miles southwest of the French city of Nice is the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, the third busiest airport in France and the gateway to and from the French Riviera. 

It’s difficult not to get overwhelmed by Phuket’s natural splendour. One of Thailand’s most popular islands, it is often featured in holiday brochures designed to lure travellers looking for an exotic, picture-perfect destination.

On Phuket, expansive beaches, with powdery white sand, are complemented by crystal-clear turquoise waters. Elsewhere on the island are impressive waterfalls and lush jungles to explore.

Book a flight to Phuket with Qatar Airways to discover one of Southeast Asia’s tropical island wonderlands.

Just under four miles southwest of the French city of Nice is the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, the third busiest airport in France and the gateway to and from the French Riviera. 

Its location makes it a hugely popular journey point with tourists visiting the glamorous south of France, while business travellers can link on to the Principality of Monaco by helicopter, making it a key business transport hub. 

Passengers flying from Nice with Qatar Airways will be delighted by the efficiency and flawless operation of the airport, staffed by attentive and welcoming personnel who go out of their way to make the start of your journey pleasant and stress-free. The airport covers 1.43 sq miles, with the two terminals linked by courtesy shuttle buses.

Transportation and parking

The fastest way to get from the centre of Nice to the airport is by SNCF rail, which runs trains directly to Terminal 1. An airport bus connects from the station to Terminal 2. Bus routes 99 and 98 run regularly between the city centre and the airport, and take around 25 minutes. 

Taxis are plentiful, while travellers connecting from Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez can use one of several helicopter operators to fly direct to the airport. 

Car parking is good, with several indoor and outdoor parking areas providing short, long and intermediate parking options, including pre-paid package deals for regular users. 

Arriving in Nice

Passengers flying from Nice with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 1, which is for international flights to both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations. 

There are 25 gates and numerous check-in booths and desks. Be aware that security in all French airports is exceptionally tight, with very thorough document checks and baggage searches. 

French security has been stepped up, so it is strongly advised to ensure that all your documents are in order before you begin your journey.

Facilities and amenities

Terminal 1 has a large business centre with eight rooms and a conference hall with a capacity of 250 people. Banking and currency exchange services are located in both terminals, as are plenty of ATMs. 

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and there are also several fixed internet stations. 

A good selection of restaurants, cafés and fast food outlets provide beverages and meals, while a retail mall with gift shops, Duty Free and regional speciality sellers is located in the main hall. 

A number of hotels are also located on-site, particularly useful for passengers who have early morning flights booked.

Phuket is actually Thailand’s largest island, and is a hugely popular destination for adventure tourists and travellers wishing to discover more about this enigmatic country. A tropical paradise blended with a vibrant and energetic metropolis, it is also a big draw for entrepreneurs and business travellers, thanks to a burgeoning high-tech sector.

Book a flight to Phuket with Qatar Airways and discover the gateway to Thailand. Famous for its flowers and the warm, friendly welcome visitors receive from its inhabitants, there is also plenty to see and do in Phuket. It is little wonder that Phuket is usually in the top ten of must-see destinations around the world.

Tourist attractions

As an island, fishing is central to the culture of the local people. The AC's Phuket Fishing Park allows visitors to go fishing for arapaimas, red-tailed catfish, alligator gars, and Siamese giant carp. If you prefer to watch wildlife rather than catch it then a visit to the Chana Charoen Road Crocodile Farm is an exhilarating experience.

Thailand’s Buddhist temples and statues are spectacular, and none more so than the Big Buddha, a white marble statue on the top of Naka Kerd Mountain, where you can also get a fabulous, bird’s eye view over Phuket’s east coast. Another great spot to see those extraordinary sunsets is Prom Thep Cape, 1.5 miles from Rawai Beach.

For something a little more unusual (and truly mind-boggling), try the Phuket Trick Eye Museum, a gallery of 3D paintings and optical illusions. Siam Niramit Phuket Arts Theatre puts on fascinating plays and performances that immerse visitors in the local culture, or check out the truly bizarre Baan Teelanka & A-Maze-in-Phuke, a house that has been built completely upside down and with a garden maze that will keep the kids amused for hours.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Phuket with Qatar Airways land at Phuket International Airport, in the north of Phuket Island. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Phuket please check the visa and passport requirements.