ITA Airways Will Fly Pope Leo XIV to France
The national flag carrier will transport the pontiff to Paris for an apostolic journey on September 25.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Air Travel
On 25 September 2026, ITA Airways will carry Pope Leo XIV from Fiumicino Airport to Paris-Orly Airport. The apostolic journey marks a significant international trip for the pontiff aboard the Italian carrier.
Why it matters
As the national flag carrier, ITA Airways provides specialized transport services for significant state and religious delegations. This specific flight underscores the operational role the airline plays in supporting high-profile diplomatic and spiritual travel.
The flight will utilize an A-321neo aircraft, which offers a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions alongside a 50% lower noise footprint compared to previous models. The operation will be staffed by a dedicated crew of three pilots and seven flight attendants.
The players
Pope Leo XIV
He is the supreme leader of the Catholic Church and travels internationally for official apostolic visits.
ITA Airways
It is the state-owned national flag carrier of Italy that operates both domestic and international routes.
Sandro Pappalardo
He serves as the Chairman of ITA Airways and oversees the airline's strategic operations and institutional relations.
The details
The aircraft is set to transport the Pope, the Papal delegation, and various media representatives to France. ITA Airways Chairman Sandro Pappalardo is scheduled to welcome the pontiff at the departure terminal before the flight commences its journey.
Timeline
The flight departs Fiumicino Airport on 25 September at 07:50 am.
The flight arrives at Paris-Orly Airport on 25 September at 10:00 am.
Travel Outlook
The use of the A-321neo reflects the broader industry move toward utilizing more sustainable narrow-body jets for short-to-medium international transit. This choice aligns with European aviation goals to decrease the carbon and noise footprint of high-profile diplomatic flights.
Travelers at Fiumicino and Paris-Orly should anticipate heightened security protocols and potential minor adjustments to standard flight operations during the arrival and departure windows. Checking flight status updates early remains essential for those transiting through these hubs on 25 September.
The takeaway
The deployment of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft for high-profile diplomatic missions demonstrates how sustainability is becoming a priority in institutional air travel. Passengers flying on similar routes may see airlines increasingly highlighting these efficiency metrics in their operations.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in international routes and carrier operations at Air Travel.
