Flight CX257, operated by Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to London, experienced a temporary loss of communication with local air traffic control while over Romanian airspace on July 4, 2026. Following this, a pair of Hungarian NATO fighter jets were scrambled under NATO’s quick reaction alert and visually signalled to the Airbus A350 passenger plane.
Cathay Pacific confirmed the incident in emailed responses to Hong Kong media, stating that the interception was conducted in accordance with internationally recognised protocols. Communication was eventually restored, and the flight continued to London’s Heathrow Airport as planned. The crew reported the occurrence immediately, and the matter remains under investigation.
Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD) expressed serious concern about the incident and has requested Cathay Pacific to submit a report within a week. The CAD is following up with the airline according to established protocols.
The incident was publicly disclosed when Hungarian Minister of Defence Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi shared details on Facebook about the fighter jets’ interception after the communication failure.
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