17 Feb 2014

Hijacked plane lands safely in Geneva

8:51 pm on 17 February 2014

An Ethiopian Airlines plane en route from Addis Ababa to Rome has been forced to land in Geneva after being hijacked, according to Swiss police.

One hijacker has been arrested. The airline said in a statement that all passengers and crew were safe. There were no injuries, and police say the situation is "under control".

Flight 702 carrying 200 passengers and crew was scheduled to leave Addis Ababa at 12.30am local time and arrive in Rome at 4.40am on Monday. Geneva airport has now reopened, the BBC reports.

Police confirmed that the Boeing 767 made an unscheduled landing in the Swiss city at 6am.

The flight was hijacked as it was flying over Sudan, Tribune de Geneve newspaper reported.

Passengers came out of the aircraft about 8am surrounded by dozens of police.

The reason for the hijacking remains unclear, although there are unconfirmed reports that at least some of those on board the aircraft may have been asking for asylum.

The plane was carrying 200 passengers and crew.

The plane was carrying 200 passengers and crew. Photo: AFP