# Cathay Pacific A350 Intercepted by NATO Fighter Jets Over Hungary

_Jul 10 13:07_

Tags: Cathay Pacific, NATO, Hong Kong, Hungary, London, Romania, airline, safety & operations, industry news

A Cathay Pacific A350-1000 on flight CX257 from Hong Kong to London was intercepted by NATO fighter jets over Hungary on July 4, 2026, after temporarily losing contact with air traffic control

## Summary

On July 4, 2026, Cathay Pacific flight CX257, operating an Airbus A350-1000 from Hong Kong (HKG) to London Heathrow (LHR), was intercepted by NATO fighter jets over Hungary. The aircraft, registered B-LXA, had temporarily lost contact with Romanian Civil Air Control while in Romanian airspace. Hungarian Defense Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi reported that a QRA(I) standby aircraft pair was alerted, and Hungarian squadrons took off at 13:51. Upon visual contact, the aircraft re-established communication. Cathay Pacific described the event as a "temporary loss of communication" and confirmed the flight adhered to its authorized routing with no safety compromise. Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department expressed serious concern

## Why it matters

Affects 2 airline programs (Cathay Pacific, NATO).

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/cathay-pacific-a350-triggers-nato-alert-hungary-fighter-jets-deployed) — Cathay Pacific A350 Triggers NATO Alert Over Hungary, Fighter Jets Deployed

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