An official source with EgyptAir said Wednesday that a false bomb threat had been received before Flight MS955 bound for Beijing had to make an emergency landing in Uzbekistan earlier Wednesday.

The bomb threat proved to be a hoax, said the source, noting that the Egyptian flag carrier was keen on passengers' safety and immediately contacted the pilot via satellite upon receiving the report.

The pilot was told to make an emergency landing at the nearest airport, the source noted.

Uzbek authorities checked the plane, an Airbus 330/200, and made sure it was clean.

Procedures are being finalized for the flight to take off once again to Beijing.

Source : MENA