A brief airspace security incident over Hungary prompted NATO’s highest air-defence alert activation after an Israeli passenger aircraft temporarily lost contact with air traffic control while transiting Hungarian airspace.
The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo operated on an Arkia scheduled service from Tel Aviv to Prague, reportedly failed to establish communication with Hungarian air traffic services, triggering a precautionary response from the Hungarian Defence Forces and NATO’s integrated air policing system.
In response, Hungary scrambled two JAS 39 Gripen jets to intercept and escort the aircraft. The fighters established visual contact with the airliner, after which radio communications were restored.
The aircraft was escorted safely through Hungarian airspace and later continued its route toward Austria after leaving Hungarian jurisdiction at around 20:10 local time.
Officials stated that NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre coordinated the response, with Hungarian authorities confirming that air policing procedures functioned as intended. Prime Minister Péter Magyar said the system operated effectively throughout the incident.
Authorities have not yet determined why the aircraft initially lost contact with air traffic control, and no further operational disruption or escalation was reported.