Cathay Pacific CX257 Report Cites Crew Frequency Error in Radio Blackout; NATO Jets Scrambled

Regarding the Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to London Heathrow on July 4, 2026, the aircraft experienced a communication interruption with air traffic control units it passed en route. The Civil Aviation Department said the government has received and completed its review of the comprehensive investigation report submitted by Cathay Pacific. The report showed that the onboard communication equipment operated normally, and that the incident involved crew members incorrectly responding to instructions issued by air traffic controllers to another flight, subsequently tuning the radio to an incorrect frequency. The crew members involved also failed to notice the communication interruption.

Following the incident, Cathay Pacific has taken multiple improvement measures, including strengthening crew procedures for operating and monitoring communication systems during flight and reminding crew members to remain vigilant at all times. The Civil Aviation Department, which attaches great importance to the incident, has required Cathay Pacific to follow up seriously on the improvement measures, including providing additional training and assessment for the crew members involved and strengthening the aviation safety incident reporting mechanism.

The flight in question was Cathay Pacific flight CX257, which lost contact with the control tower over Romania that day. NATO dispatched fighter jets to conduct a visual warning. The aircraft subsequently re-established contact with air traffic control, the mission was concluded, and the standby fighters returned to base.