A fast-moving wildfire reached the outskirts of Marseille on Tuesday afternoon, forcing the immediate closure of Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and prompting widespread emergency measures across the region. With flames driven by winds reaching up to 70 km/h, thick smoke enveloped parts of the city and airport, disrupting travel and putting thousands of residents on alert.
Airport officials confirmed that all operations were suspended around midday as fire crews battled to contain the blaze in Les Pennes-Mirabeau, located just north of the airport. Several inbound flights were diverted to other French cities including Nice, Lyon, and Nîmes, while departing passengers faced hours of delays and cancellations. No timeline has been given for the resumption of airport operations.
Authorities have urged residents in the affected areas, particularly in Marseille’s northern 16th arrondissement, to stay indoors, close windows and shutters, and avoid unnecessary travel to keep roads clear for emergency services. Two residential zones in Les Pennes-Mirabeau were evacuated as a precaution.
Over 160 firefighters, supported by helicopters and water bombers, are currently working to contain the fire, which has burned an estimated 350 hectares. The acrid smell of smoke and reduced visibility were reported throughout Marseille, with local media describing the situation as “apocalyptic.”
The Marseille blaze is part of a broader wildfire emergency affecting southern France, as extreme summer heat and high winds continue to fuel fires in other regions, including near Narbonne, where more than 2,000 hectares have already been scorched.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and rerouting options. Local residents should monitor announcements from the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture and emergency services via official channels.