The History of Cannes-Mandelieu Airport :

The first flights in the Siagne Valley go back to the year 1905.  The airport was completed on its current site in 1930 by private individuals, then in 1937 it became a government airport and was managed by the Air Secretariat. Subsequently, the government increased its surface area to 155 hectares (79 hectares of which are in the Commune of Cannes and 36 in that of Mandelieu). At this time, being the only airport for the Côte d'Azur, Air France flights landed at Cannes.
After the Liberation, the partially destroyed facilities were reconstructed and a 1,100 metre runway constructed. The airport then took on the name "Cannes-Mandelieu".
The development heralded the advent of commercial flights and new aircraft features led to the search for another site on which to create a new airport. This would be at the mouth of the Var plain,  since the hills surrounding Cannes, in fact prevented it from being able to receive large carriers.
In order to modernise the infrastructures and build the airport terminal and hangars, in 1966 the French government granted the airport to the Alpes Maritimes Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The aim of the Consular Body, today called the Nice Côte d'Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is to manage and continually adapt these facilities to the region’s economic requirements. Cannes-Mandelieu Airport can therefore fulfil its purpose as a hub for business and tourism on the French Riviera.