Hijacking confirmed as Egypt Air flight lands in Cyprus
An Egypt Air domestic flight traveling from Alexandria to Cairo has been hijacked, according to the airline's spokeswoman.
The hijackers asked for the flight to land in Cyprus, said the spokeswoman, who asked not to be identified in line with company policy.
The island's state broadcaster reported that the plane landed at Larnaca airport less than an hour after takeoff.
It added that Larnaca airport has since been closed and scheduled flights diverted elsewhere.
Cypriot media are reporting that there are around 80 people on board and at least one armed hijacker. They are saying he asked authorities to clear all police from the airport area in order to release women and children passengers.
[Bloomberg/Combined reports]
