ITA Airways will operate the official Papal flight for Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Journey abroad, scheduled from 28 November to 2 December, covering visits to Türkiye and Lebanon.
The airline confirmed that an Airbus A320neo configured for the Papal mission will carry the Pope, members of the Holy See Press Office, and Vatican security personnel to both destinations as part of the multi-day program.
The Vatican selected ITA Airways as the carrier for the journey, continuing the tradition of using Italy’s flag airline for Apostolic travel. The itinerary includes an outbound flight from Rome Fiumicino to Ankara, a continuation from Ankara to Beirut, and a return flight from Beirut to Rome. The operation is accompanied by delegated media, security teams, and a specialized cabin crew trained for high-level state and diplomatic missions.
Three-Leg Itinerary Operated With Airbus A320neo
The Papal mission will begin on 28 November with flight AZ 4000 from Rome to Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport. The journey continues between Türkiye and Lebanon with flight AZ 4001 from Ankara to Beirut. The return flight, AZ 4002, will depart from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport on 2 December. All segments will be operated with ITA Airways’ Airbus A320neo, equipped with updated cabin interiors, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
For the mission, ITA Airways is deploying a specially selected flight and cabin crew. The flight deck will be led by Commanders Alberto Colella and Massimiliano Forte. Cabin operations will be managed by Cabin Manager Eleonora Baggiani, supported by cabin crew members Fabio D’Alesio, Andrea Borro, and Serena Di Giulio. The airline notes that this team has experience on institutional flights and high-profile operations requiring tailored onboard service and elevated security coordination.
Passengers on board will include representatives from the Holy See Press Office, accompanying media organizations, technical personnel, and Vatican security officers. As with previous Papal trips, ITA Airways will coordinate closely with national aviation authorities in both Türkiye and Lebanon to manage airport procedures, aircraft positioning, and ground handling for each stop.
Background on ITA Airways and Papal Missions
ITA Airways has managed Papal flights since its founding, taking over the role historically held by Alitalia. The airline, which began operations in 2021, inherited the protocols, staffing procedures, and operational standards required for transporting the Pope on international missions. These flights typically involve enhanced cabin preparations, customized seating arrangements, secure communication systems, and operational redundancies to manage potential changes to program timing.
The airline describes the opportunity to support Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey as an institutional responsibility, reflecting the national carrier’s historic connection with Vatican travel. ITA Airways has previously operated flights for Apostolic missions across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Each mission requires extensive coordination with host governments, local airspace authorities, and airport operators to ensure seamless transitions between countries and adherence to diplomatic protocols.
The journey to Türkiye and Lebanon marks Pope Leo XIV’s first overseas mission since assuming the papacy. Apostolic Journeys typically include meetings with heads of state, representatives from religious and civil communities, and humanitarian organizations. While the Vatican has not publicly detailed the full schedule, the itinerary traditionally includes public addresses, interfaith meetings, and pastoral engagements accompanying the diplomatic portions of the visit.
Both Türkiye and Lebanon have hosted Papal visits in the past, with previous missions emphasizing themes such as interreligious dialogue, migration, regional peace, and humanitarian support. These destinations remain strategically important within the broader regional context, and the upcoming trip is expected to continue longstanding diplomatic and pastoral relationships.
Operational Coordination and Media Presence
For this journey, ITA Airways is responsible for onboard service, flight operations, and coordination with Vatican personnel managing communications and security. The Holy See Press Office will oversee media logistics, including the selection and seating of journalists who will travel with the Pope. The airline will also provide operational support for the return flight, which traditionally allows journalists to ask questions during an in-flight press briefing.
Airlines operating Papal flights are required to maintain specific safety, reliability, and international compliance standards. ITA Airways stated that the selected A320neo aircraft has undergone the necessary checks for long-segment and diplomatic charter operations and will be staffed with crew trained for high-security environments. Additional ground teams in Ankara and Beirut will manage refueling, catering coordination, and aircraft turnaround procedures.
The Papal flight to Türkiye and Lebanon is considered one of the most publicly visible missions for ITA Airways this year, highlighting the airline’s role in supporting state and religious diplomacy through international aviation. For the carrier, the operation strengthens its institutional profile while continuing a long-standing association between Italy’s national airline and the Vatican’s global engagements.
