Tenerife North Airport. Photo: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com Passengers traveling through Tenerife on June 12, 2026 are being advised to check their flight status after airport operator Aena announced special operating arrangements linked to the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Canary Islands.
According to Aena, Tenerife North–La Laguna City Airport will open its terminal one hour earlier than usual on Friday, June 12.
Pope Leo XIV. Photo: Fabrizio Maffei / Shutterstock.comThe airport said the terminal will begin operations at 04:00 local time (03:00 GMT) allowing additional flexibility for flights and passenger movements during the papal visit.
The airport operator also reminded passengers to verify travel arrangements directly with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Pope Leo XIV's visit is expected to attract significant attention across the Canary Islands, prompting transportation providers and local authorities to implement operational adjustments to help manage increased travel activity.
On June 6, Adolfo Suárez Madrid Brajas Airport welcomed Pope Leo XIV on his first visit to Spain. The Pope landed in Madrid via ITA Airways from Rome-Fiumicino Airport and was received by Their Majesties the King and Queen.
As announced at the start of the month, Iberia, Spain's flagship carrier, has been chosen to "accompany Pope Leo XIV on his travels through Spain and on his subsequent return to Rome."
"A very special operation that our professionals are already preparing with the excitement, responsibility, and commitment that characterize every Iberia flight," said the founding member of the oneworld alliance," Iberia added.