An EgyptAir flight en route from Alexandria to Cairo was hijacked Tuesday (Mar 29) and diverted to Cyprus, the airline confirmed.

"Our flight MS181 is officially hijacked. we'll publish an official statement now." it said on Twitter.

Domestic flight MS181 landed at Larnaca Airport, according to Cyprus' state broadcaster, with Cypriot officials saying there was a suspected bomb on board.

Local media reported one man on the plane was armed.

The plane was carrying 55 passengers and seven crew, an Egyptian airport official said. There were earlier reports of about 80 to 81 people on board.

After the aircraft landed, Larnaca Airport was closed.

EgyptAir was expected to release a full statement.

Meanwhile, Cyprus state broadcaster said that thet hijacker was thought to be strapped with explosives and police had been asked to back away from plane.

The pilot had been threatened to land the plance at Larnaca, RT reported.

(With inputs from Channel News Asia, Sky News, RT)