The official aircraft carrying Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made an emergency landing in Ankara on May 3, 2026, due to a minor technical fault while traveling from Madrid to Yerevan for the European Political Community summit.
The Airbus A310 took off from the Torrejón de Ardoz airbase shortly before 4:00 p.m. local time. Although the malfunction was described as minor, protocol procedures were strictly followed, ensuring the safety of everyone on board. The landing was completed without incident, and thankfully, no one aboard was harmed.
Upon arrival in Ankara, technical teams immediately began inspecting the aircraft to identify the issue. Sanchez is expected to spend the night in Ankara and continue his journey to Yerevan early tomorrow morning.
This isn’t the first time Sanchez has faced travel issues; he previously missed a meeting on Ukraine held in Paris on September 4, 2025, also due to an aircraft malfunction. Observers are now keenly watching how this latest incident might affect his participation at the summit.
The European Political Community summit is a significant event where leaders discuss vital topics impacting Europe. Sanchez’s presence is crucial for Spain’s diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation.
