Sighting of a luminous object on Iberia flight 435

Summary

In February 1969, during Iberia flight 435 from Palma de Mallorca to Madrid, the pilots sighted a luminous object with red and white flashes. The incident occurred at about 30,000 feet, near the Valencian coast. The pilots attempted to contact air traffic control and confirmed there were no other aircraft in the area. The object was observed for about 15 minutes before disappearing at high speed. Although initially considered a possible UFO, subsequent reports concluded the phenomenon was Venus, whose optical characteristics and atmospheric refractions explained the observed flashes and movements. The Spanish Air Force classified the case as declassified, with no need to maintain it as sensitive material.