- BIST10011,798+3.22%
- USD49.55+0.21%
- EUR55.57-0.09%
- GOLD4,144.70-0.37%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,530+0.84%
- October 20, 202617°
- BIST10011,798+3.22%
- USD49.55+0.21%
- EUR55.57-0.09%
- GOLD4,144.70-0.37%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,530+0.84%
- October 20, 202617°
Pope’s Return to Rome Made on Plane Allocated by the King
Leo’s return from Tenerife to Rome was delayed by half an hour due to a technical fault before takeoff. The journey was made on a Falcon-type plane allocated by Felipe, carrying about 80 journalists and a Vatican delegation.
Pope Leo XIV completed his visit to Spain’s Canary Islands and returned to Rome on a Falcon-type plane allocated by King Felipe VI of Spain. When a technical fault occurred on the initially planned plane, the aircraft was changed at the last minute.
The flight, expected to take off shortly after 18:00 local time, was delayed by about half an hour due to the issue. The plane was expected to arrive in Rome around 23:00.
Takeoff Delayed on the Runway
The delay at departure from Tenerife also disrupted the plans of passengers waiting on the runway. About 80 journalists, Vatican officials, and clergy were on board the plane.
The Pope’s Spain trip communications team announced that the takeoff was postponed due to a technical problem on the plane. The pilot initially reported a general fault, then clarified that the issue was related to the engine failing to start.
The pilot said the maintenance team recommended towing the plane to reposition it against the wind and attempting to restart the engine. However, when these attempts failed, the plane allocated by King Felipe VI was put into service for the return flight.
King Felipe VI boarded the Iberia Airlines plane after the fault but later returned to the terminal with the Pope. A brief activity was observed on the runway during this time.
An Unusual Ending on the Last Day of the Visit
The technical malfunction led to an unexpected conclusion to an otherwise smooth visit to Spain. Throughout the visit, Pope Leo XIV emphasized messages on migration and inaugurated the new tower of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona.
This incident is considered one of the most serious technical problems in recent papal flights, requiring a change of aircraft to continue the journey. Vatican reporters recalled a similar situation that occurred many years ago during the papacy of John Paul II.
It has become customary for the return flight of papal travels to be operated by the host country’s national airline. For long-distance or capacity-limited flights, ITA Airways can also provide round-trip service.
On these charter flights, the Pope, Vatican delegation, and security personnel occupy the front section of the plane, while journalists usually travel in economy class.
Iberia Airlines also shared images during the early days of the visit showing Pope Leo XIV sitting in the cockpit. The footage showed the Pope chatting and smiling with pilots on flights from Madrid to Barcelona and then to the Canary Islands.
Spanish military aircraft also escorted these flights in the air. During one of these escorts, a camera captured the Pope waving to the pilot of the accompanying fighter jet as a sign of respect to state guests.
Stay Updated with The Turkiye Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
