EgyptAir Hijacker Surrenders, Hostages Released

The suspected hijacker of EgyptAir Flight MS181 has surrendered to Cypriot authorities at Larnaca airport, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

The hijacker has emerged from the EgyptAir airrilner with his hands in the air and most of the passengers and crew who were on board had been freed, Reuters quoted the Cypriot authorities as saying.

The motives behind the hijacking remain unclear, with some reports saying the hijacker wanted to contact his estranged wife in Cyprus, according to the BBC.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades has said the incident was not related to terrorism.

Reuters also quoted Egypt's Prime Minister, Ibrahim Mahlab, as saying the hijacker was Egyptian and had demanded to meet EU officials and go to other airports but there had been nothing specific.