An Egyptair Airbus A320-200, registration SU-GCB performing flight MS-181 from Alexandria to Cairo (Egypt) with 55 passengers and 7 crew, was on approach to Cairo at FL150 about 20nm northwest of the aerodrome when the crew turned the aircraft north, climbed to FL210 and diverted to Larnaca stating they were hijacked. The aircraft received direct vectors to Larnaca and landed safely in Larnaca about 38 minutes later, however, below required final fuel reserve.
The aerodrome of Larnaca is currently closed, the aircraft sitting on a remote area of the aerodrome.
According to sources inside Egyptair a passenger claiming to wear a bomb belt demanded the aircraft to be diverted to Larnaca, otherwise he would explode the belt.
The airline confirmed the aircraft was hijacked to Larnaca.
According to flight plan alternate aerodromes were Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Luxor (Egypt), the aircraft carried 4400kg of fuel on departure, 1358 kg trip fuel, 1672kg diversion fuel, 172kg contingency and 1001kg required minimum fuel reserve.
Aviation Herald - News, Incidents and Accidents in Aviation
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