King Felipe VI Lends Pope His Jet After Papal Flight Suffers Technical Failure

Pope Leo XIV's journey back to Rome from Tenerife was unexpectedly rerouted due to a technical malfunction on his scheduled Iberia flight. The Airbus A320 experienced a technical fault shortly after the Pope had disembarked following his departure ceremonies on Friday, June 12.

“

The commander of the Airbus A320 informed passengers that they detected a technical incident and that the team was working to resolve it.

After the initial departure time of 3:20 PM local time was missed, the flight commander informed passengers of a technical issue. Attempts were made to restart the engines, including repositioning the aircraft against the wind, but the problem persisted. During the delay, King Felipe VI, who had initially bid farewell to the Pope, returned to the aircraft. He and the Pope then disembarked together and walked toward the terminal while conversing casually.

“

The commander explained to the passengers that the personnel were towing the aircraft to position it against the wind. This maneuver aimed to turn the plane around and try to restart the engine again, as the crew considered that the problem could be related to the tailwind.

Ultimately, the King of Spain offered his private Falcon jet to transport the Pope and his closest collaborators, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, to Rome. The Pope has now boarded the King's aircraft, ensuring his return to Italy. Journalists accompanying the papal delegation will not be on this flight, with the Iberia plane remaining sidelined for technical assessment.

“

The Pope has boarded King of Spain's private plane to return to Rome, after his original Iberia flight was canceled. Only the Pope and his closest collaborators and private security will board the flight, not journalists.