EgyptAir Company has released a press statement on the latest developments in the hijacked aircraft that was forced to land at Larnaca Airport Tuesday morning.

EgyptAir flight MS181 destined to Cairo from Borg El Arab Airport in west Alexandria was hijacked by an Egyptian passenger at 06:50 hours who claimed to have been wearing an explosives belt, the statement said.

The hijacker asked the pilot to land at Larnaca or Istanbul airports and the pilot decided to head for Cyprus. The plane landed at 07:50 hours and the authorities concerned at the Cypriot airport are handling the demands of the hijacker, the statement added.

The negotiations yielded the release of all passengers except for the seven cabin crew members and four foreigners.

The crises center at the Egyptian Civil Aviation Ministry is following up the latest developments in the presence of the prime minister and the minister.

Source : MENA