Polish airline LOT reported that Bulgaria's 'Electra Airways' was operating a flight from Warsaw to Tel Aviv when 'the crew reported an emergency situation.'
'This report was later canceled after contact with air traffic controllers,' said airline spokesman Krzysztof Moczulski.
A Bulgarian Defense Ministry statement said the aircraft sent transponder code 7500 – an emergency signal for unlawful interference or hijacking.
Sofia also scrambled a MiG-29 fighter to intercept the plane and escort it through Bulgarian airspace.
The flight was diverted to Burgas in Bulgaria, where Electra Airways is based, said Moczulski.
According to the Israeli military, two Air Force fighters were scrambled toward the civilian aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea after receiving a report of lost communication with the aircraft. Later, the military said the incident was not security-related.
'In this situation, we have no reason to take action,' said Piotr Rudzki, spokesman for Warsaw's Chopin Airport. According to him, the Bulgarian airline reported 'a pilot error, so we don't need to take any action.'
'We are monitoring the situation; nothing indicates any (external) interference,' he added.
