by Ifra Mahmood, staff reporter
EgyptAir, Flight MS181, was hijacked a couple of days ago. The flight was traveling from Alexandria to Cairo with more than 50 passengers, four crew members and security officials.
On March 29th, accused hijacker, Seif Eddin Mustafa, was on the plane with an explosive belt. However, the Cypriot authorities confirmed that the belt was fake. The Cypriot president said that the hijack was non-terrorism related. No one was injured on the flight. After waiting for a few hours, the hijacker was seen walking down the steps of the plane and surrendered at Larnaca airport.
“I think tighter security when boarding a plane can prevent planes from getting hijacked,” junior Vinny O’Brien said.
Seif Eddin Mustafa has been described as “mentally unstable” and can be charged with air piracy, kidnapping, and threatening behaviour. According to the Cypriot authorities, he has admitted to hijacking the plane.
“I feel that most hijackings can be prevented easily, but since it’s rare security doesn’t really focus on specific people a lot,” sophomore Emely Ferreira said.
