Hungarian fighter jets escorted an Israeli Arkia passenger plane on Thursday after the aircraft lost contact with air traffic controllers while flying through Hungarian airspace. The flight, en route from Tel Aviv to Prague, was monitored closely following the communication lapse.

According to Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Szijjártó, NATO’s air operations coordinator ordered Hungary to raise its defense alert to the highest level and scrambled fighter jets to intercept the Arkia plane as a precaution. The jets approached the passenger aircraft in accordance with standard protocols before escorting it to the edge of Hungarian airspace. The plane exited Hungarian airspace around 8:10 p.m. and continued its journey toward Prague.

Arkia, the Israeli airline operating the flight, confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation, which will include Hungarian aviation authorities. The airline stated that its flight crew adhered to the approved flight plan and followed predetermined routing. The airline said the loss of contact with Hungarian air traffic control was temporary and, upon detection, Hungarian military jets were dispatched to establish visual contact. Communication with the flight crew was subsequently restored.

The airline emphasized that the flight proceeded without danger to passengers or crew and landed safely at its destination. Both Hungarian officials and Arkia indicated that no security threats were identified during the event. The precise cause of the communication disruption remains unclear as investigations continue.