A Jet Airways Boeing 777-300, registration VT-JEX performing flight 9W118 from Mumbai (India) to London Heathrow, EN (UK) with 330 passengers and 15 crew, was enroute at FL360 being handed over from Bratislava (Slovakia) to Prague (Czech Republic) Center when radio contact was lost with the aircraft, that continued along its planned flight track. Germany dispatched two Eurofighters to intercept the aircraft, the fighter aircraft were already airborne when radio contact with 9W-118 was restored via the emergency frequency about 60nm north of Nuremberg (Germany). Although radio contact was re-established, the fighter aircraft continued the intercept, ATC informed 9W-118 as well as the aircraft flying above and behind 9W-118 about the pending intercept. About 20nm north of Cologne (Germany) 9W-118 was seen accompanied by two fighter aircraft. 9W-118 continued to London for a safe landing.

On Feb. 19, 2017, following release of initial coverage, The Aviation Herald received information that radio contact with the aircraft had been lost on hand off from Bratislava to Prague Center, a swap of digits is being suspected (the crew tuned 132.980MHz while the correct frequency was 132.890MHz). Germany dispatched two Eurofighter Aircraft when the Boeing 777 entered Germany's Airspace. Radio contact with the aircraft was restored about 60nm north of Nuremberg, the fighter aircraft began to slow down expecting the intercept would be aborted, a decision was made however to continue and complete the intercept. Air Traffic Control informed 9W-118 as well as the other aircraft, flying above and behind 9W-118, about the pending intercept. The fighter aircraft met with 9W-118 northeast of Frankfurt (Germany) and were seen by ground observers at about 16:50Z about 20nm north of Cologne still at the side of 9W-118.

The airline confirmed that contact between aircraft and ATC was briefly lost while flying over Germany. Contact was restored a few minutes later. Germany's Air Force deployed their aircraft to ensure safety of aircraft and its occupants. Both pilots have been de-rostered pending investigation.

Video of the intercept from another aircraft above and behind 9W-118 (Video: Mark Stewart):