Egypt TV releases hijacker's name as Ibrahim Samaha

Egyptian airlines flight MS181, en route from Alexandria to Cairo, has been hijacked by a passenger with a suicide belt, who forced the pilot to land in Larnaka Airport, Cyprus. There are reportedly 81 passengers and crewmembers on board the plane.

10:25
To update: The hijacker is said to be Ibrahim Samaha, an Egyptian national and is 27-years-old.

10:23
The man had apparently written a four page letter that he wants delivered to his wife.

10:21
This image, purportedly of the hijacker, has been widely tweeted.

• 29 March 2016

  08:06 GMT
  

  The hijacker of EgyptAir’s Airbus A320 initially wanted the pilot to fly to Turkey, Al Arabiya reports, but due to lack of fuel the aircraft was forced to land in Cyprus.
  
  
• 08:00 GMT
  

  Samaha has asked for political asylum in Cyprus.
  
  
• 07:59 GMT
  

  The hijacker Ibrahim Samaha is either Egyptian or a Libyan national, according to various sources.
  
  
• 07:55 GMT
  

  The hijacker has asked for a political asylum from the Cyprus authorities, according to the Greek channel Skai.
  
  
  

  • 07:53 GMT
    

    From 15 to 20 people still remain on the hijacked EgyptAir aircraft, a Cyprus Foreign Ministry official said.
    
    
  • 07:51 GMT
    

    Restoring regular air travel between Russia and Egypt is “absolutely impossible” in the light of the highjacking of EgyptAir flight MS181, Russian Senator Frants Klintsevich says.
    “It’s clear now that this is out of the question. Egypt is not ready to ensure the safety of our tourists,” he said.
    
    
  • 07:50 GMT
    

    Egyptian state television has released the name of the hijacker: Ibrahim Samaha.
    
    
  • 07:39 GMT
    

    The Egyptian Aviation Ministry has confirmed the release of all passengers on hijacked EgyptAir flight MS181, except 10 foreigners and crewmembers.