This story was last updated at 11.55am, March 29.
An Egyptair aircraft with 81 passengers on board was hijacked early on Tuesday morning.
The aircraft diverted to Larnaca in Cyprus after taking off from Alexandria en route for Cairo.
The hijacker, who officials have confirmed claimed to have a suicide belt, has been named as Seif Eldin Mustafa by Cyprus’s foreign ministry.
There were ‘various nationalities’ on board, although most are reported to have been allowed to leave the aircraft.
Seven people are believed to have remained on the aircraft: the captain and co-pilot, a female crew member, a security officer and three passengers.
The reason for the hijacking is thought to be connected to the hijacker’s estranged wife, who it is believed has arrived at the airport, according to reports and the president of Cyprus.
CNN Greece reported that the aircraft had taken off from Alexandria at 8am local time with 81 passengers aboard.
Larnaca airport has been closed and flights diverted following the incident.