The ongoing wildfire near Marseille, France, has led to suspended flights, multiple injuries, and extensive travel disruption, with as many as 45,000 airline seats and 282 scheduled flights potentially impacted. According to Mabrian, the global travel intelligence firm, climate sentiment among travellers has dropped by –36.4% year-on-year, while safety sentiment declined by –5.1% this week—factors that may influence long-term tourism trends in one of France’s key summer destinations. These shifts underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring during the recovery period.
A rapidly spreading wildfire in the Marseille area is putting lives and local tourism under serious strain, triggering evacuations, halting ground and air transport, and deteriorating traveller confidence. As highlighted by Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform, the blaze coincides with the height of Mediterranean tourist season, amplifying the strain on infrastructure and altering how visitors perceive the region.
Mabrian, part of The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, analysed the impact of this natural disaster on air connectivity and traveller sentiment. The wildfire has affected approximately 720 hectares around France’s second-largest city—an important tourism destination. Train services and major motorways have been disrupted, and flights to and from Marseille-Provence Airport—one of France’s busiest airports, serving over 11 million passengers annually—were suspended on Tuesday.
According to Mabrian’s travel intelligence, up to 45,000 air seats and 282 flights could potentially be affected between July 8 and 9, either through cancellations or delays, depending on whether the airport resumes operations by late Wednesday.
“Marseille Airport is the main gateway to Provence and the South of France, which welcomes 30 million tourists annually—especially during the summer season. Any disruption to air traffic at this time of year is always a cause for concern,” explains Carlos Cendra, Partner and Director of Marketing and Communications at Mabrian.
Travellers’ Perception Takes a Major Hit Due to the Wildfire
Beyond disrupting air connectivity, the wildfire—which has injured 110 people—is also significantly affecting two key drivers of travel demand: climate and safety perception. These factors are influencing overall sentiment toward the tourism offering and the broader visitor experience in the region.
Compared to the same period in 2024, Marseille’s Perception of Climate Index (PCI) has seen a sharp decline this week, dropping by -36.4% to 61.6 points out of 100. Meanwhile, the Perception of Security Index (PSI) has experienced a marked decrease of more than 17 points since July 1st, representing a -5.1% year-over-year decline, now standing at 77.1 points out of 100 as of July 9th.
“While sharp fluctuations in these two indexes are expected during such a significant natural crisis, it is essential to closely monitor their evolution in the coming weeks. As immediate concerns are addressed, it’s important to ensure that traveller perception—particularly regarding climate and safety—rebounds appropriately once the crisis stabilises,” highlights a Mabrian expert.
