Pope Leo XIV got a cockpit visit onboard an Iberia flight from Madrid to Barcelona, including a radio exchange with Spanish fighter pilots escorting the aircraft. Not exactly your average intra-Europe hop…
While up front, the pope waved to Spanish Air Force fighter pilots escorting the aircraft and spoke with them over the radio. I suppose if anyone is going to get an inflight cockpit visit in 2026, it is going to be the pope…
The flight was one of several Iberia is operating for Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Spain, including Madrid – Barcelona, Barcelona – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Tenerife North, and Tenerife North – Rome. Iberia also prepared the aircraft with papal details, including the Vatican coat of arms near the forward door.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
