A Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to London was intercepted by Hungarian NATO fighter jets after briefly losing contact with air traffic control over Romanian airspace, prompting Hong Kong’s aviation regulator to express serious concern and order an investigation report.
Flight CX257, an Airbus A350, departed Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) on July 4, 2026, bound for London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
While crossing Romanian airspace, the aircraft failed to establish contact with Romanian civilian air traffic control, triggering a NATO quick reaction alert.
Hungarian fighter jets scrambled
The incident came to light when Hungarian Defense Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi shared details in a Facebook post the same day. According to the minister, the alert was issued at 13:42 local time, and two Hungarian fighter jets took off at 13:51 local time from a base in Kecskemét, about 86 kilometers southeast of Budapest.
The fighter pilots visually signaled to the passenger aircraft, after which the Cathay Pacific crew re-established communication with air traffic control, concluding the jets’ mission.
NATO’s quick reaction alert system operates year-round to intercept unauthorized, unidentified or distressed aircraft within European airspace. Under the alliance’s protocols, air operations centers are notified when an aircraft loses contact with civilian air traffic control and can then dispatch aircraft from an allied air base to identify the plane. Both Romania and Hungary are members of the 32-nation alliance.
Airline says safety was never compromised
Cathay Pacific confirmed the incident in a statement on July 8, describing it as a “temporary loss of communication” followed by an interception “in accordance with internationally recognised protocols”.
“The flight adhered to its authorised routing at all times, and at no point was the safety of the aircraft or those on board compromised,” the airline said. “The crew reported the occurrence immediately, and it remains under investigation at this time.”
Communication was restored shortly after the intercept, with the flight continuing to London Heathrow as planned.
Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department has confirmed that Cathay Pacific filed an initial incident report. The department remarked that it is treating the matter with serious concern and has formally requested that the airline submit an investigation report within one week, in line with standard procedures for aviation safety occurrences.