One of EgyptAir domestic flights traveling from Alexandria to Cairo has been hijacked, according to the airline’s spokeswoman.
The hijackers requested 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 EgyptAir 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.
CNN Greece reported that the A320 aircraft had taken off from Alexandria at 8 a.m. local time with 82 passengers aboard
According to former EU commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou, the flight had 82 passengers on board and the hijackers have offered to release women and children, she said on Twitter.