EgyptAir hijack: Italian among the hostages released

There were also eight Americans, four Britons, four Dutch, two Belgians and 30 Egyptians on board the Cairo-bound jet, which was forced to divert to Cyprus after being taken over by a man who said he was wearing an explosives vest.

The plane landed safely at Laaca airport and most of the passengers, including the Italian, were freed, Il Messaggero reported.

Three passangers remain on board, along with the captain, a co-pilot, a female crew member and a security officer, according to the latest reports.

The hijacker was named by the Italian press as Ibrahim Samaha.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said the hijack was motivated by "personal reasons" and not terrorism.

"It's coected to a woman. We are doing everything we can to release the hostages," Il Messaggero quoted him as saying during a press conference.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry also said the hijack was motivated by personal reasons, adding that the man is demanding political asylum and to talk to his ex-wife, who reportedly lives in Cyprus.