Reports are coming through that a hijacked EgyptAir airliner has landed at Larnaca airport in Cyprus with 82 people on board and at least one armed man on board.
News agencies quote airline and Egyptian government sources as saying that the domestic flight travelling from Alexandria to Cairo was taken over by at least one armed hijacker.
They demanded the flight to land in Cyprus. There are 82 people on board and so far authorities cannot get speaking with the man.
More as we get it.
Update 8:09am
Hijacker has released 20 passengers believed to be women and children. Authorities say he is wearing a suicide belt.
Update 8:30am
All passengers released except crew members and 4 foreign passengers.
Update 9am
German media are reporting that an Irishman is still onboard the hijacked Egypt Air flight MS181.
The German paper “Bild” is reporting an Irishman, an Italian and 3 Britons are still onboard the plane with the crew members and one hijacker who is reportedly wearing a suicide belt.
The hijacker has reportedly asked for a translator and asylum in Cyprus.
Update 9:34am
27-yr-old Egyptian national Ibrahim Samara is named as the hijacker.
Update 10am
Authorities say the hijacking is not terrorism related.