VIDEO: Man climbs onto aircraft in runway drama at Valencia Airport

A serious security incident at Valencia–Manises Airport on Saturday evening caused a delay of more than two hours after a man climbed onto the roof of a commercial aircraft shortly before its scheduled departure, prompting an immediate response from airport security and the Guardia Civil.

The incident involved a Vueling aircraft that was preparing to operate a scheduled service from Valencia to Amsterdam. Passengers had already boarded the plane, which was stationary at the gate, when the man accessed the exterior of the aircraft and climbed onto its upper surface.

Airport authorities confirmed that the individual was not a member of the flight crew or ground handling staff. His presence on the aircraft was quickly detected, and the situation was classified as a security breach due to the potential safety risks involved.

Emergency protocols activated at the gate

As soon as the incident was identified, operations related to the aircraft were suspended and emergency procedures were activated. Security services at Valencia Airport alerted the Guardia Civil, which deployed officers to the aircraft’s location.

The flight had been scheduled to depart at approximately 6.30pm. However, with the man remaining on top of the aircraft, the plane was unable to leave the gate while authorities assessed the situation and worked to resolve it safely.

Officials stated that the man appeared to be in an altered psychological state, leading officers to prioritise de-escalation. Negotiations were carried out directly at the aircraft, with security forces maintaining a controlled perimeter around the area to prevent further disruption.

Guardia Civil intervention and medical transfer

After a period of negotiation, officers persuaded the man to climb down from the aircraft without the use of force. He was immediately taken into custody by the Guardia Civil.

Due to concerns regarding his condition, authorities transferred him to a medical centre for assessment. No injuries were reported, and there was no damage to the aircraft, according to official statements.

The Guardia Civil later confirmed that the man was reported for breaching Spain’s Air Safety Law. This legislation regulates access to aircraft and restricted areas within airports and treats unauthorised interference as a serious offence due to the potential risks to passengers and crew.

Flight delayed more than two hours

Once the individual had been removed, the aircraft underwent the necessary security and operational checks before it was cleared to depart. Passengers remained on board for much of the delay and were kept informed by the airline.

The flight eventually departed at around 9.00pm, more than two hours after its scheduled take-off time.

The airline has not announced whether passengers will be offered compensation, noting that the disruption resulted from circumstances outside standard operational control.

Recibido por WhatsApp.
Al parecer se trata de imágenes registradas ayer en el aeropuerto de #Valencia pic.twitter.com/TvXESVu9j3

— 😉Controladores Aéreos 🇪🇸 (@controladores) February 1, 2026

No wider impact on airport operations

Airport authorities confirmed that the incident was isolated and did not affect other flights or general operations at Valencia–Manises Airport. No additional delays or cancellations were reported, and normal airport activity resumed shortly after the situation was resolved.

Officials also stated that there was no point at which passengers were in immediate danger, emphasising that safety procedures functioned as intended and that coordination between airport staff and security forces was effective.

Investigation into security breach continues

Authorities have not released further personal details about the man involved, and no motive has been officially established. An investigation is ongoing to determine how he was able to access the aircraft and whether any security protocols were bypassed.

Spanish aviation authorities routinely review incidents of this nature to assess whether changes to airport access controls or perimeter security are required. While such events are rare, they are treated seriously due to the risks associated with unauthorised access to aircraft.

Valencia–Manises Airport is one of Spain’s busiest regional airports, handling millions of passengers each year on domestic and international routes. Incidents involving direct interference with aircraft remain uncommon, but they typically result in comprehensive internal reviews once investigations are completed.

Further information is expected once authorities conclude their assessment of the incident and any resulting security recommendations.