Aviation News – July 8, 2025 – A rapidly spreading wildfire in southern France has forced the temporary closure of Marseille Provence Airport on Tuesday, disrupting travel at the start of the busy French summer holiday season. Strong winds reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour have intensified the blaze, according to an airport spokesperson.
The fire, estimated to cover around 30 hectares, broke out near Les Pennes-Mirabeau, a town located just north of Marseille — France’s second-largest city. In response, 168 firefighters have been deployed, supported by fire engines and helicopters, the regional fire service announced on X (formerly Twitter).
Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur prefecture posted a warning advising people to close shutters and doors, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep access routes clear for emergency responders.
Local media outlet BFM TV reported that evacuations were underway in Les Pennes-Mirabeau. Footage showed strong winds whipping through the area, visibly impacting both vegetation and on-site reporters.
Marseille Provence Airport suspended all take-offs and landings from around midday, with some flights rerouted to nearby cities including Nice and Nîmes. As of Tuesday evening, there was no confirmation on when operations would resume.
Residents in central Marseille reported smelling smoke from the fire, with parts of the city blanketed in haze.
