Cyprus hands over Egyptian man who hijacked plane in 2016 to Cairo

Cyprus has handed over an Egyptian man who hijacked an airliner to the island in 2016 using a fake explosive belt, Egypt's state prosecutor said on Saturday.

Seif Eldin Mustafa was handed over to an Egyptian Interpol team in Nicosia after Cairo provided assurances that he would face legal proceedings that conform to international standards.

Cypriot courts rejected appeals by the 61-year-old, who argued that he would not receive a fair trial in Egypt.

Mustafa commandeered a domestic Alexandria-Cairo flight with 72 passengers and crew on board in March 2016 and ordered it to land at the island's Larnaca airport.

Six hours after landing Mustafa surrendered to Cypriot authorities, having released all passengers and crew unharmed.

He had taken charge of the flight after showing flight attendants what appeared to be an explosive belt and a remote control.

Mustafa had demanded the release of female prisoners in Egypt and to have contact with his Cypriot ex-wife.