EgyptAir said negotiations had resulted in the release of all passengers on the hijacked Egyptian plane except for five foreigners and the crew. About 60 people, including seven crew, had been onboard, Egyptian and Cypriot officials said. Cyprus broadcasting (CYBC) reported that the hijacker may have personal motives.
“The negotiations with the hijacker have resulted in the release of all the plane passengers with the exception of the crew and five foreigners,” the airline said in a statement.
The Airbus flight number MS181 had 81 passengers on board and was flying on a regular route when the hijacking took place, the Egyptians said. It was not immediately clear if one or more hijackers were involved.
Shortly after, the plane landed at the airport in the Cypriot coastal city of Larnaca, Cypriot officials said, adding that there were suspicions of a bomb on board.
Cyprus’ president says the EgyptAir hijacking incident is “not something which has to do with terrorism.”
The hijacker is said to want a letter delivered to his ex-wife. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has said: “He is not a terrorist, he’s an idiot. Terrorists are crazy, but they are not stupid.“