An Israeli passenger jet triggered a rare NATO security response over Europe after losing contact with air traffic control during a flight from Tel Aviv to Prague. The aircraft, operated by Arkia, was flying through Hungarian airspace when its Airbus suddenly lost radio communication with air traffic controllers, prompting NATO to activate its highest air policing alert level.
NATO Response
Within minutes, Hungary scrambled two JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to investigate the situation. The fighter jets located the Israeli aircraft, approached it, and established visual contact. Communication with the flight crew was subsequently restored.
Cause of Incident
According to initial assessments, the incident was likely caused by a temporary technical malfunction, described as a “frequency fluctuation.” Following the restoration of contact, the aircraft was safely escorted through Hungarian airspace before continuing toward Austria.
It exited Hungarian airspace at approximately 8:10 p.m. local time and proceeded to its destination without further incident.
