Air traffic controllers at Palma de Mallorca Airport have raised concerns over the Emir of Qatar’s ultra-luxurious Boeing 747-8, calling it a major operational challenge due to its immense size and special handling requirements.
The aircraft, dubbed a “flying palace” and worth nearly €360 million, landed last Sunday and is only permitted to use runway 06L/24R, limiting flexibility and requiring post-landing inspections for debris. Its presence also restricts taxiing movements of other aircraft, as it falls under Code F, reserved for aircraft with wingspans exceeding 65 metres.
The 747-8, which includes opulent features like gilded interiors and a rumoured onboard operating room, has been parked in Palma for two days. Despite its size, it only seats 89 passengers.
Interestingly, the Emir reportedly gifted a replica of this aircraft to Donald Trump, which is currently being retrofitted in Texas to serve as a future Air Force One, though work is delayed due to a lack of specialised technicians.
B747-8 de la Familia Real Catarí en el aeropuerto de Palma.
Este avión (Clave F) en Palma complica la operativa ya que sólo tiene permitido aterrizar por una de las pistas (06L/24R). Posteriormente a su aterrizaje o despegue, dada su envergadura, se realiza una revisión de pista… pic.twitter.com/f246vl6FXk— ?Controladores Aéreos ?? (@controladores) June 30, 2025