EgyptAir plane hijacked to Cyprus, most passengers freed
An Egyptian plane on a flight between Alexandria and Cairo was hijacked and forced to land in Cyprus by a man apparently distressed over a family matter.
After the EgyptAir plane landed at Larnaca airport, the hijacker released all the people onboard except four foreign passengers and the crew following negotiations, EgyptAir said.
About 60 people, including seven crew, had been onboard the Airbus 320, Egyptian and Cypriot officials said.
The pilot reported that the man was strapped with explosives, although this was not confirmed. Citing security sources, Cypriot state media said that the motives of the hijacker appeared personal and he had asked to contact his ex-wife, who lives in Cyprus.
