Cathay Pacific flight intercepted by Hungarian NATO fighter jets, airline says safety was never compromised

Cathay Pacific’s July 4 flight was intercepted by Hungarian NATO fighter jets after a brief loss of contact with air traffic control, raising concerns from Hong Kong authorities while the airline says safety was never compromised. Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said it has expressed “serious concern” over a London-bound Cathay Pacific flight following the incident over Romanian airspace. Cathay Pacific confirmed Flight CX257 from Hong Kong to London experienced a “temporary loss of communication.” The airline said authorities subsequently intercepted the aircraft under internationally recognised protocols, communication was restored, and the flight continued to London Heathrow “as planned.” Cathay added the aircraft adhered to its authorised routing at all times and that the crew reported the occurrence immediately; it remains under investigation. CAD confirmed the airline reported the incident.