Pope Leo XIV’s return to the Vatican following his historic seven-day visit to Spain was disrupted by an unusual aviation incident. A technical malfunction aboard the Iberia Airbus A320 scheduled to carry him from Tenerife to Rome forced officials to abort takeoff after the pontiff had already boarded, resulting in hours of delays and an unexpected change of plans.
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© Europa Press via Getty ImagesTechnical Problem Grounds the Papal Flight
The incident occurred at Tenerife North–Ciudad de La Laguna Airport, where the Holy Father was concluding his final engagements before returning to Rome. During pre-flight procedures, crew members detected a technical issue that prevented the aircraft from departing. As a precaution, the operation was halted, and all passengers, including the Pope, were asked to disembark.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesWhile Iberia technicians worked to diagnose and resolve the problem, Leo XIV waited in the airport’s VIP lounge alongside King Felipe VI, who had personally come to see him off. According to the flight commander, the malfunction may have been related to local wind conditions, but subsequent inspections ruled out an immediate fix and raised the prospect of a lengthy delay.
© Getty ImagesKing Felipe VI Offers an Alternative Aircraft
With repairs expected to take several more hours, officials moved quickly to arrange an alternative. In an exceptional gesture, King Felipe VI offered the Spanish Air and Space Force’s official Falcon jet to transport the Pope and a small delegation back to Rome, ensuring the pontiff could continue his journey without spending the night in Tenerife.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesA second Falcon aircraft was later dispatched to the island to return the King to mainland Spain, allowing both travel schedules to proceed despite the disruption.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesA Swift Departure to Rome
The revised departure was organized swiftly and without the usual ceremony. Shortly before 7 p.m. local time, Pope Leo XIV boarded the Falcon and departed for Rome. The flight proceeded without incident and was expected to take approximately four hours.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesBecause of the delay, the traditional in-flight press conference that popes typically hold during international trips was canceled.
A Symbolic Farewell Marks the End of the Visit
King Felipe VI, who had served as a gracious host throughout the Pope’s visit, marked the farewell with a particularly moving gesture. After waving goodbye, he placed his hand over his heart as Leo XIV climbed the aircraft stairs. The gesture captured the warmth of their farewell and served as a fitting conclusion to a visit that resonated far beyond Spain's borders.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesAlthough highly unusual in the context of papal travel, the episode served as a reminder of the uncompromising importance of aviation safety protocols, even when one of the world’s most prominent leaders is involved. Despite the disruption, Pope Leo XIV returned safely to the Vatican later that evening, bringing to a close a journey defined by messages of welcome, social inclusion, and solidarity with society’s most vulnerable communities.
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