Pope's Flight Delayed by Technical Fault; King Felipe VI Escorts Pontiff Off Plane

A papal flight from Spain to Rome descended into confusion and disarray on June 12, 2026, when a technical problem grounded the aircraft, leaving 80 journalists stranded and bewildered. The plane, carrying Pope Leo XIV and reporters from 55 media outlets, was already delayed after the pontiff's final mass in Tenerife. As the return journey to Rome stalled, journalists prepared for their customary press conference, unaware of the unfolding issue.

Commander Julio Ruiz-Zorrilla Gómez eventually informed the passengers at 4:23 p.m. local time that a technical problem was being addressed. The situation escalated when photographers outside reported that the front boarding stairs were being deployed. To the surprise of those on board, King Felipe VI of Spain boarded the aircraft, met the pontiff, and then disembarked with him.

Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands, explained that the King, an experienced pilot, had noticed one of the engines had not ignited. Upon learning of the technical fault, Felipe VI decided to re-enter the plane to check on the Pope and offer him more comfortable accommodations in the protocol lounges.

Amidst the growing confusion, journalists scrambled to report on the events, struggling to piece together what was happening. The commander later announced that technicians were attempting to repair the issue, which was expected to take considerable time. The situation was compounded when the rear boarding stairs were eventually brought out, signaling a prolonged delay and further uncertainty for the papal entourage and the press corps.