Airbus flight from Tel Aviv to Prague triggers alert, Gripen jets scrambled

An Airbus A320 en route from Tel Aviv to Prague caused a temporary alarm in Czech airspace on Thursday evening, prompting the dispatch of two JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets from the Czech Air Force. The aircraft, operated by an unnamed airline, triggered concerns when its transponder signal was lost.

Air traffic controllers at the Brno control center lost contact with the airliner after its transponder was switched off. This action typically prevents the aircraft from being tracked on radar, raising immediate suspicions. The Gripen fighters were scrambled from the Čáslav airbase to intercept the Airbus and identify its status.

After flying for approximately 30 minutes under escort by the Gripen jets, the Airbus landed safely at Václav Havel Airport Prague. The incident caused no disruption to other air traffic, and the fighter jets returned to their base once the situation was confirmed to be under control. The airline and the specific reasons for the transponder being switched off were not immediately disclosed.