British Airways flight ‘intercepted’ by German Air Force after loss of radio

A British Airways flight was “intercepted” by the German Air Force after a loss of radio communication to air traffic control.

The flight was heading from Paphos, Cyprus to London Heathrow on 17th October, but when Vienna air traffic control reported a loss of communications with it, the air force said, it scrambled its “quick reaction alert” (QRA) to intercept.

According to the air force’s website, the QRA monitors aircraft on flights over Germany. When an aircraft in German airspace cannot be contacted by radio, two Eurofighter Typhoons take off and survey the situation.

In this case, radio communication was reestablished and the flight was guided to the German border, it said.

BA said that procedures were followed and the flight was able to continue safely.

The airline is now looking into the circumstances of what occurred. It is understood that there is no indication of any third-party interference.

A German Air Force spokesperson told The Independent: “On Saturday, October 17th 2026, Vienna ATC reported a loss of communications to a civilian airliner.

“The German Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) out of Neuburg Airbase was scrambled and intercepted the plane.

“After the reestablishment of radio communication, the QRA guided the plane to the German border and returned to its homebase afterwards.”

A spokesperson for British Airways told The Independent: “All of the procedures in place for situations like this were followed.

“Communication with air traffic control was re-established and the flight continued safely and as planned.

“We’re looking into the circumstances to understand what happened.”