Crisis over Libyan plane with 118 passengers on board resolved

 Crisis over Libyan plane with 118 passengers on board resolved A tense hostage drama involving a Libyan airliner which was hijacked, ended with the hijackers releasing all the passengers and surrendering before the authorities at Malta international airport. The Hijackers had diverted a Libyan plane carrying 118 people to the Mediterranean island of Malta and threatened to blow it up with hand

grenades.  The Airbus A320 had been on a domestic Libyan route operated by Afriqiyah Airways but was re-routed.   Malta International Airport authorities soon dispatched emergency teams as the airport was closed for all operations.  Tense negotiations ensued and within a few hours the passengers were allowed to leave the plane. The plane on the tarmac was surrounded by military vehicles.  Malta's National Security Committee coordinated the hostage operation and a negotiating team was also called on site.