Hungary Scrambles Fighter Jets to Intercept Israeli Airliner After Loss of Contact
Hungarian fighter jets were scrambled Thursday to intercept an Israeli passenger jet that failed to contact local air traffic control, according to Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar.
The Arkia flight from Tel Aviv to Prague triggered NATO’s highest level of alert after entering Hungarian airspace. Magyar said two Gripen fighter jets were dispatched to make contact with the Israeli Airbus A321.
The Gripens quickly established visual contact with the pilots, who then restored radio communication with Hungarian ground control. The flight continued to Prague without incident.
Magyar said the Hungarian Defense Forces’ airspace control standby service and NATO’s integrated air defense system operated effectively throughout the incident.
Arkia said the incident is under internal investigation. The airline stated that the crew followed the approved flight plan and designated routes, and stressed that at no point were the aircraft, passengers, or crew in danger.
