March 29, 2016 - 10:41 AMT
EgyptAir domestic flight hijacked, lands in Cyprus

An EgyptAir domestic flight traveling from Alexandria to Cairo has been hijacked, Bloomberg reported, citing the airline's spokeswoman.

The hijackers asked 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 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 am local time with 81 passengers aboard.