Cathay Pacific has confirmed that one of its flights from Hong Kong to London Heathrow was temporarily intercepted by military aircraft after losing radio communication with air traffic control while flying over Romania.

Flight CX257 experienced what the airline described as a “temporary loss of communication” with local air traffic control on 4 July. The aircraft later re-established contact and continued safely to London Heathrow without further incident.

NATO Alert Triggered

According to Cathay Pacific, the temporary communication failure prompted authorities to respond in accordance with internationally recognised aviation security procedures.

“As a result, there was a subsequent interception by the authorities in accordance with internationally recognised protocols,” the airline said.

The incident was first disclosed by Hungary’s Defence Minister, Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, who said two Hungarian Air Force fighter jets were scrambled after a NATO alert was activated.

Communication Restored

The NATO response was triggered after the aircraft, while flying through Romanian airspace, failed to establish communication with Romanian civil air traffic control.

Cathay Pacific said radio communications were subsequently restored and the aircraft remained on its authorised flight path throughout the incident.

“Communications were restored and the flight continued to Heathrow as planned,” the airline said, adding that passenger and crew safety was never compromised.

Standard Aviation Security Procedure

Military interceptions are a standard international procedure whenever a commercial aircraft loses radio contact with air traffic controllers. Fighter aircraft are typically dispatched to establish visual contact, verify the aircraft’s identity and ensure there is no security threat before escorting or monitoring the flight until communications are restored.

The Boeing aircraft landed safely at London Heathrow, and no injuries or operational issues were reported following the incident.