Overview
- Flight CX257, an Airbus A350 from Hong Kong to London, briefly lost radio contact with Romanian civilian air traffic control on July 4, triggering a NATO quick reaction alert.
- Two Hungarian fighter jets scrambled from Kecskemét visually signalled the passenger aircraft and communications were restored shortly after.
- Cathay Pacific said the flight stayed on its authorised routing and that safety was never compromised, and the airline confirmed the crew reported the occurrence and an internal investigation is under way.
- Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department expressed serious concern, confirmed an initial incident report was filed, and has formally asked Cathay Pacific to submit a full investigation report within one week.
- NATO’s quick reaction alert is a routine peacetime measure to identify unresponsive aircraft, and this case highlights cross-border military-civil coordination and may prompt closer checks of airline and ATC communication procedures.