ROMANIA— A Cathay Pacific Airways flight from Hong Kong to London Heathrow lost radio contact with air traffic control after its cockpit crew selected the wrong frequency, prompting a NATO air-policing response over Eastern Europe.
The incident involved Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) Flight CX257, an Airbus A350 operating from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on July 4, 2026.
The communication failure occurred while the aircraft was flying through Romanian airspace.
According to a Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department review of Cathay Pacific’s investigation, the crew mistakenly responded to instructions intended for another aircraft and switched to an incorrect radio frequency without realizing that contact with air traffic control had been lost.
Wrong Frequency Selected by Cathay Crew Mistake
The investigation found that the aircraft’s communication equipment was functioning normally, shifting the focus to crew actions rather than a technical malfunction.
The crew selected the wrong frequency after mistakenly responding to an air traffic controller’s instructions directed at another flight.
The crew then failed to recognize that communication with the relevant air traffic control unit had been interrupted. Because the aircraft continued without establishing the expected radio contact while crossing Romanian airspace, the situation escalated into a NATO air-policing alert.
The findings provide a clearer explanation of how a communication error on a scheduled passenger flight developed into an international airspace security response.
The aircraft nevertheless remained on its authorized route throughout the flight and later continued safely toward London.
NATO Jets Intercepted Cathay Pacific Flight
The loss of communication triggered NATO’s quick reaction procedures, leading Hungary to scramble two fighter jets. The Hungarian aircraft intercepted the Cathay Pacific A350 and issued a visual warning as the passenger aircraft approached Hungarian airspace.
The fighter jets were launched from Hungary after the Cathay aircraft failed to establish contact with Romanian civilian air traffic control.
Communication was restored after the visual interception, allowing CX257 to continue its journey without further disruption.
Cathay Pacific previously confirmed that the aircraft and passengers were never in danger and that the flight followed its authorized routing. The aircraft eventually reached London Heathrow safely, bringing the incident to a controlled conclusion.
Cathay Faces Follow Up After Incident
Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department has expressed serious concern over the incident and directed Cathay Pacific to strengthen its response to the findings.
The airline has introduced additional operational and monitoring procedures covering cockpit communication systems and has reminded flight crews to maintain greater vigilance.
The airline is also expected to provide additional training and assessment for the crew involved. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of another communication failure caused by incorrect frequency selection or a delayed recognition of lost radio contact.
The incident highlights the importance of accurate radio-frequency management in controlled airspace, particularly when aircraft operate across multiple national air traffic control regions, SCMP reported.
Although no passengers were harmed and the flight remained within its approved route, the communication lapse was significant enough to trigger NATO fighter interception procedures.
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