Pope's Plane in Spain Delayed by Technical Glitch

The departure of Pope Leo XIV from Tenerife, concluding a week-long visit to Spain, was unexpectedly delayed on Friday due to a technical problem with the papal plane. The pontiff and King Felipe VI, who had just bid farewell, disembarked and returned to the terminal building as maintenance crews assessed the aircraft.

Approximately 80 journalists, along with Vatican officials and clergy members, remained on board the Iberia airline jet. The communications service for the papal trip issued a brief statement indicating the delay was about half an hour. The pilot initially informed passengers of a technical fault before specifying an "engine startup failure," which he suggested might have been caused by wind conditions.

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The departure of the papal flight has been delayed by half an hour due to a technical problem with the aircraft

"Our maintenance team suggests towing the aircraft, positioning it into the wind, and attempting a new engine start," the pilot communicated to those on board. "We will try this. If it is successful, we can depart." The Pope had been scheduled to return to Rome after his seven-day tour of Spain. He had arrived in Tenerife from Gran Canaria, where he had been staying since Thursday.

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Our maintenance team suggests towing the aircraft, positioning it into the wind, and attempting a new engine start. If it is successful, we can depart.