NATO launches fighter jets after Israeli aircraft loses contact over Hungary
The Jerusalem Post • • world
Key Points:
- An Arkia Airbus flying from Tel Aviv to Prague lost radio contact with air traffic control while over Hungarian airspace, prompting NATO to activate its highest air policing alert and scramble two fighter jets to investigate.
- Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen jets located and visually identified the aircraft, restoring communication with the flight crew, with the incident likely caused by a temporary technical malfunction described as a "frequency fluctuation."
- The Israeli plane was safely escorted through Hungarian airspace and continued to its destination without further incident, exiting Hungary at around 8:10 p.m. local time.
- NATO’s Combined Air Operations Center coordinated the response, and Hungarian authorities confirmed that standard air policing procedures were followed efficiently throughout the event.
- Arkia stated the flight crew adhered to the approved flight plan, the incident is under internal review, and emphasized that there was no danger to passengers or crew at any point.