A British Airways flight from Paphos, Cyprus, to London Heathrow was intercepted by the German Air Force on October 17, 2026, following a loss of radio communication with air traffic control. Vienna air traffic control initially reported the communication loss.
The German Air Force's 'quick reaction alert' (QRA) was scrambled from Neuburg Airbase to intercept the aircraft. According to the air force's website, the QRA monitors flights over Germany and dispatches two Eurofighter Typhoons when an aircraft in German airspace cannot be contacted by radio.
Radio communication was later reestablished, and the flight was guided to the German border before continuing safely. British Airways stated that all procedures for such situations were followed and that the airline is investigating the circumstances. There is no indication of third-party interference.