PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain — The Emir of Qatar’s private Boeing 747 jumbo jet caused brief delays at Mallorca’s main airport when it landed for the royal family’s summer visit, prompting reactions from aviation officials, local residents, and the Qatari government.
The 400-ton aircraft, one of the largest private jets in the world, touched down at Palma de Mallorca Airport as the royal family arrived to escape Doha’s scorching 120-degree Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) heat. Air traffic controllers temporarily held other flights and ordered a runway inspection to ensure no surface damage was caused by the heavy jet, according to airport authorities.
No damage was found, and operations resumed shortly afterward. Still, the landing sparked debate among locals and environmental groups, who criticized the flight as a symbol of excess and questioned its environmental impact.
“This is not just about airport delays,” said Miguel Torres, a spokesperson for a local climate group. “It shows how luxury and privilege continue to override global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.”
The Qatari royal family, however, defended the trip, saying it was a private vacation planned within international aviation guidelines. “His Highness values the safety and well-being of all travelers and respects the procedures of every airport he visits,” a family representative said in a statement.
A Qatari government spokesperson dismissed reports suggesting the aircraft caused chaos at the Spanish airport, calling them “exaggerated.” The spokesperson added that coordination with Spanish aviation authorities ensured “all international safety and operational standards were fully observed.”
Spanish aviation officials also downplayed the incident, describing it as “a standard precautionary inspection” due to the aircraft’s size. “There was no threat to safety or infrastructure,” an airport operations officer said.
Meanwhile, locals in Palma expressed mixed feelings. Some admired the sight of the massive jet, calling it a “rare spectacle,” while others viewed it as “unnecessary display of wealth.”
The Emir and his family are expected to spend several days in Mallorca before returning to Qatar later this week.
