At Tenerife North Airport, a flight carrying Pope Leo XIV and King Felipe VI to Rome was delayed today after a technical issue stopped the aircraft on the runway.
The practical consequence for Catalan readers is simple, if you are flying via Barcelona, Girona, Reus, or another Spanish hub, check airline and airport notices before you leave home. Delays can affect connections, return legs, and same-day plans, especially when schedules change at short notice.
What happened at Tenerife North
According to Iberia and Aena, the aircraft was due to depart Tenerife North for Rome, but a technical fault meant the crew could not continue as planned. The airline and airport operator are the primary sources for the flight status, so their notices are the safest place to confirm any knock-on changes.
Reporting from the trip said the captain told passengers the fault would take around 30 minutes to fix, and the aircraft was later towed and repositioned against the wind for another engine start attempt. Those details were reported from the scene, but readers should rely on Iberia and Aena for the confirmed travel update.
Who was affected
King Felipe VI returned to the terminal after seeing off the Pope, then both men disembarked and walked back together. Several cardinals travelling with the Pope, including Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Spanish Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, also left the aircraft, while flight attendants gave water to journalists and other Vatican entourage members who remained on board.
For Catalan travellers, the next step is to check Iberia and Aena before departure, especially if your trip depends on a tight connection. For wider Catalonia-wide updates, see our News page.