The aircraft carrying Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made an emergency landing in Ankara due to a technical malfunction during its flight to Armenia.
Sánchez was travelling from Madrid to Yerevan to participate in the European Political Community summit when the government Airbus A310 encountered a problem mid‑flight.
According to Turkish media reports, there were indications of smoke in the cockpit, prompting the immediate activation of safety protocols. The crew proceeded with an emergency landing in Ankara.
The malfunction is not considered serious. Nevertheless, in line with aviation regulations, such incidents are treated with maximum caution.
Pedro Sánchez remained in Ankara overnight, staying at a state guesthouse near the airport, while Spanish authorities worked on rearranging his onward travel.
A replacement government aircraft was sent from Madrid, allowing the Spanish prime minister to eventually depart for Yerevan under enhanced security measures.
Reports note that this was not an isolated incident, as Sánchez had faced a similar technical issue in September 2025 during a flight to an international summit.
Source: CNA