The first overseas trip of Pope Leo XIV has been unexpectedly impacted by a global aviation safety alert concerning Airbus A320 aircraft, forcing a technician to be urgently dispatched to Istanbul to ensure the Pope's onward flight is secure.
Global Grounding and the Papal Plane
The crisis emerged after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered a worldwide software update for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft. This directive came in response to a warning that intense solar radiation could potentially corrupt the planes' computer systems, specifically their elevation data.
Thousands of A320 aircraft were briefly grounded globally as the safety measure was implemented. The issue was brought to light following a serious incident last month where at least 15 JetBlue passengers were injured after an A320 experienced a sudden, uncontrolled drop in altitude, forcing an emergency landing in Florida. The airline's investigation pointed to a software vulnerability exacerbated by periodic intense sun radiation.
Among the thousands of planes affected was the specific ITA Airways Airbus A320 scheduled to carry Pope Leo from Istanbul to Beirut on Sunday for the second leg of his inaugural trip. To resolve the issue, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that the necessary component and a technician were flown to Istanbul to install the update on the papal aircraft.
UK Passengers Warned of Potential Disruptions
Meanwhile, passengers travelling with several UK airlines have been warned to expect potential flight delays this weekend. Carriers including Wizz Air, EasyJet, and others operating the A320 family have been compelled to perform the mandatory software checks and updates on their fleets.
Wizz Air issued a statement acknowledging the disruption, noting that some of its aircraft were among the 6,500 requiring the update. EasyJet also indicated that its flying schedule might see changes, promising to inform passengers directly. Gatwick Airport warned of potential disruption, though it emphasised that only a small number of airlines at the airport were affected.
However, the UK's Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, sought to reassure the public, stating that the impact on UK airlines should remain 'limited'. She praised the aviation industry for working at pace to address the flaw, highlighting the robust global safety standards that led to its swift identification and mitigation. Other carriers like British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Jet2.com confirmed they expected minimal to no operational disruption.
Pope's Diplomatic Visit Amid Travel Chaos
The aircraft software issue unfolded as Pope Leo XIV continued his diplomatic programme in Istanbul. His itinerary included a visit to the city's famous Blue Mosque, where his actions drew close scrutiny.
The Pope toured the 17th-century mosque, removing his shoes and white socks to observe its intricate tiled domes and Arabic inscriptions. However, he declined an invitation from the mosque's imam, Asgin Tunca, to pray. The Vatican later issued a corrected bulletin, removing a previously stated plan for a 'brief moment of silent prayer'.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that the Pope experienced his visit 'in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith' of Muslim worshippers. This contrasted with visits by his predecessors; Pope Francis observed two minutes of silent prayer in the same mosque in 2024, and Pope Benedict XVI prayed with an imam during his 2006 visit.
Pope Leo's focus during the trip has been on bolstering ties with Orthodox patriarchs and promoting unity between eastern and western churches.
