Fighter jets ‘intercept packed BA flight’ sparking terror fears after pilots failed to respond to air traffic controllers

German military Eurofighter Typhoons intercepted a British Airways flight from Cyprus to Heathrow after its pilots stopped responding to air traffic controllers, prompting concern about a possible security incident. The cockpit inspection found no sign of a threat, and the aircraft continued safely after communications were restored.

Flight BA899 was reportedly out of contact on its main and backup frequencies for about 30 minutes while flying at 34,000 feet. The jets stayed with it until the German border; BA said it was investigating, while the pilots continued flying. Separately, another Cyprus flight diverted to Gatwick after a three-hour delay meant it missed Heathrow’s late-night curfew.