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EgyptAir flight MS804: 'We cannot exclude anything,' says Egypt PM – live updates EgyptAir flight MS804: 'We cannot exclude anything,' says Egypt PM – live updates
(35 minutes later)
11.19am BST
11:19
Greek official: 'the plane has crashed'
Helena Smith
Officials in Athens are convinced the EgyptAir plane has crashed, Helena Smith reports.
In an interview with the Guardian, the head of Greece’s air traffic controllers board insisted there was “no chance” MS804 was still in the air.
“I consider it a fact that the plane has crashed. There is no chance of it still being in the air,” Serafeim Petrou said. “Most probably, and very unfortunately, it is at the bottom of the sea.”
The veteran 61-year-old air traffic controller clarified that the plane was lost on radar screens 18.5km “south of the Greek boundary” in Cairo FIR.
“It did not give any vocal or electronic signal before it disappeared,” he added. “Nothing can be excluded,” he said when asked what may have caused the crash.
“An explosion could be a possibility but, then, so could damage to the fuselage. I think at this point we are talking about wreckage, wreckage at the bottom of the sea and tracing the cause is going to take time.”
Greece has scrambled two C-130 military aircraft, two helicopters (a Super Pumer and Sea Hawk) and a frigate as part of a search and rescue operation now taking place 130 nautical miles south east of the Aegean island of Karpathos.
11.12am BST
11:12
Here’s the latest summary of what we know:
Updated
at 11.12am BST
10.52am BST
10:52
The director of Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority says air traffic controllers were in contact with the pilot of the EgyptAir flight as it passed through Greek airspace, AP reports.
The director, Konstantinos Lintzerakos, said the plane was at 37,000 feet, traveling at 519 mph, and did not report any problem.
Lyzerakos told private Antenna television that controllers tried to make contact with the pilot 10 miles before the flight exited the Greek Flight Information Range (FIR), but the pilot did not respond. Lyzerakos says controllers continued trying to contact the pilot until 3:39 a.m. Greek time (12.39 GMT) when the plane disappeared from the radar.
Lyzerakos says the plane was in Cairo’s FIR when it vanished.
10.42am BST10.42am BST
10:4210:42
MarineTraffic, a shipping tracking website, has put together an updated video on the ships joining the search in the Mediterranean for the missing plane.MarineTraffic, a shipping tracking website, has put together an updated video on the ships joining the search in the Mediterranean for the missing plane.
Latest video of the #EgyptAir #MS804 sea search operations! pic.twitter.com/SsMgBI7qnOLatest video of the #EgyptAir #MS804 sea search operations! pic.twitter.com/SsMgBI7qnO
10.36am BST10.36am BST
10:3610:36
Greek aircraft have joined the sea search for the missing plane, according to the BBC’s Quentin Sommerville.Greek aircraft have joined the sea search for the missing plane, according to the BBC’s Quentin Sommerville.
Greek Armed Forces have deployed a military C-130 aircraft and one early warning aircraft EMB-145 H in #MS804 search 1/2Greek Armed Forces have deployed a military C-130 aircraft and one early warning aircraft EMB-145 H in #MS804 search 1/2
Another Greek C-130 is also heading to the area as well the frigate Nikiforos Fokas. A helicopter (1 Super Puma) is also on its way. 2/2Another Greek C-130 is also heading to the area as well the frigate Nikiforos Fokas. A helicopter (1 Super Puma) is also on its way. 2/2
There has been an unconfirmed report that the plane came down 130 miles off the Greek Island of Karpathos.There has been an unconfirmed report that the plane came down 130 miles off the Greek Island of Karpathos.
10.29am BST10.29am BST
10:2910:29
Medical staff have been seen entering Cairo airport hall where families of passengers of the missing EgyptAir plane await news of their loved ones, Lara El Gibaly reports.Medical staff have been seen entering Cairo airport hall where families of passengers of the missing EgyptAir plane await news of their loved ones, Lara El Gibaly reports.
10.17am BST10.17am BST
10:1710:17
Lara El Gibaly is at Cairo international airport where she has been talking to friends and relatives of the missing passengers.Lara El Gibaly is at Cairo international airport where she has been talking to friends and relatives of the missing passengers.
“There’s no information inside. They’re not telling us anything for sure,” said one young woman who did not disclose her name.“There’s no information inside. They’re not telling us anything for sure,” said one young woman who did not disclose her name.
She said she had come to the arrival hall in the hope of hearing news of her friend Samar, one of the 30 Egyptian passengers on board the missing flight.She said she had come to the arrival hall in the hope of hearing news of her friend Samar, one of the 30 Egyptian passengers on board the missing flight.
10.11am BST10.11am BST
10:1110:11
The Foreign Office says it is working closely with the Egyptian and French authorities, after EgyptAir confirmed that a Briton was on board the missing plane.The Foreign Office says it is working closely with the Egyptian and French authorities, after EgyptAir confirmed that a Briton was on board the missing plane.
“Our staff are in contact with the family of a British national believed to be onboard and are providing support,” a spokesman told PA.“Our staff are in contact with the family of a British national believed to be onboard and are providing support,” a spokesman told PA.
10.08am BST10.08am BST
10:0810:08
Kim WillsherKim Willsher
Jean-Paul Troadec, former president of the French air accident investigation bureau (BEA) was asked by Europe 1 to speculate on what caused the plane’s disappearance.Jean-Paul Troadec, former president of the French air accident investigation bureau (BEA) was asked by Europe 1 to speculate on what caused the plane’s disappearance.
He said:He said:
“We have to remain very careful after the disappearance from the radars of the EgyptAir aircraft. The priority is to begin the investigation and to find, if possible, debris from the aircraft and eventually, the site of the wreckage. We can make certain hypotheses...there’s a strong possibility of an explosion on board from a bomb or a suicide bomber. The idea of a technical accident when weather conditions were good, seems also possible but not that likely. We could also consider a missile, which is what happened to the Malaysia Airlines aircraft in July 2014.“We have to remain very careful after the disappearance from the radars of the EgyptAir aircraft. The priority is to begin the investigation and to find, if possible, debris from the aircraft and eventually, the site of the wreckage. We can make certain hypotheses...there’s a strong possibility of an explosion on board from a bomb or a suicide bomber. The idea of a technical accident when weather conditions were good, seems also possible but not that likely. We could also consider a missile, which is what happened to the Malaysia Airlines aircraft in July 2014.
“If the crew didn’t send an alert signal, it’s because what happened was very sudden. A problem with an engine or a technical fault, would not produce an immediate accident. In this case, the crew did not react, which makes us think of a bomb.”“If the crew didn’t send an alert signal, it’s because what happened was very sudden. A problem with an engine or a technical fault, would not produce an immediate accident. In this case, the crew did not react, which makes us think of a bomb.”
9.56am BST9.56am BST
09:5609:56
There is still no official confirmation that the plane has crashed, but EgyptAir officials and the Egyptian civil aviation department have told Reuters they believed the jet came down in the sea. “The theory that the plane crashed and fell is now confirmed after the preliminary search and after it did not arrive at any of the nearby airports,” said a senior aviation source, who declined to be identified.There is still no official confirmation that the plane has crashed, but EgyptAir officials and the Egyptian civil aviation department have told Reuters they believed the jet came down in the sea. “The theory that the plane crashed and fell is now confirmed after the preliminary search and after it did not arrive at any of the nearby airports,” said a senior aviation source, who declined to be identified.
The source added: “All causes for the disaster are open, whether it is a major technical fault or a terrorist action or any other circumstance. This will be ascertained when we inspect the plane’s wreckage and transcribe its black boxes.”The source added: “All causes for the disaster are open, whether it is a major technical fault or a terrorist action or any other circumstance. This will be ascertained when we inspect the plane’s wreckage and transcribe its black boxes.”
Meanwhile, a Greek defence ministry source said authorities were also investigating an account from the captain of a merchant ship who reported a ‘flame in the sky’ about 130 nautical miles south of the island of Karpathos.Meanwhile, a Greek defence ministry source said authorities were also investigating an account from the captain of a merchant ship who reported a ‘flame in the sky’ about 130 nautical miles south of the island of Karpathos.
The boat tracking site MarineTraffic reports that eight boats have joined the search for the missing plane.The boat tracking site MarineTraffic reports that eight boats have joined the search for the missing plane.
More than 8 merchant ships have already joined the #MS804 sea search operations. #EGYPTAIR https://t.co/3hfOaMiDZO pic.twitter.com/bEEFUEU4D6More than 8 merchant ships have already joined the #MS804 sea search operations. #EGYPTAIR https://t.co/3hfOaMiDZO pic.twitter.com/bEEFUEU4D6
9.49am BST9.49am BST
09:4909:49
Here’s a map showing the last known position of missing flight MS804.Here’s a map showing the last known position of missing flight MS804.
9.39am BST9.39am BST
09:3909:39
France’s foreign minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, has discussed the missing plane in a telephone call with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry.France’s foreign minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, has discussed the missing plane in a telephone call with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry.
The French embassy in Cairo said Ayrault expressed the solidarity of France with Egypt, “in this terrible ordeal”.The French embassy in Cairo said Ayrault expressed the solidarity of France with Egypt, “in this terrible ordeal”.
Ayrault is also reported to have set up a “crisis cell” at the French embassy in Cairo. EgyptAir said 15 of the people on board were French nationals.Ayrault is also reported to have set up a “crisis cell” at the French embassy in Cairo. EgyptAir said 15 of the people on board were French nationals.
French FM Ayrault has convened a "crisis cell" at the French embassy in Cairo https://t.co/zGX18q9nbi #Egyptair pic.twitter.com/C86Z2JLoVBFrench FM Ayrault has convened a "crisis cell" at the French embassy in Cairo https://t.co/zGX18q9nbi #Egyptair pic.twitter.com/C86Z2JLoVB
Egypt’s Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said it was too early to rule out any explanation for the incident, including terrorism, Reuters reports.Egypt’s Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said it was too early to rule out any explanation for the incident, including terrorism, Reuters reports.
“Search operations are ongoing at this time for the airplane in the area where it is believed to have lost contact,” he told reporters at Cairo airport.“Search operations are ongoing at this time for the airplane in the area where it is believed to have lost contact,” he told reporters at Cairo airport.
Asked by a journalist if he could rule out that terrorists were behind the incident, Ismail said: “We cannot exclude anything at this time or confirm anything. All the search operations must be concluded so we can know the cause.”Asked by a journalist if he could rule out that terrorists were behind the incident, Ismail said: “We cannot exclude anything at this time or confirm anything. All the search operations must be concluded so we can know the cause.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will chair a national security council meeting on Thursday morning, a statement from his office said.Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will chair a national security council meeting on Thursday morning, a statement from his office said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.43am BSTat 9.43am BST
9.24am BST9.24am BST
09:2409:24
Airbus has issued a statement confirming that MS804 was lost over the Mediterrean at 2.30am local time. It has not confirmed a report that the plane crashed.Airbus has issued a statement confirming that MS804 was lost over the Mediterrean at 2.30am local time. It has not confirmed a report that the plane crashed.
Here’s the statement:Here’s the statement:
Airbus regrets to confirm that an A320 operated by Egyptair was lost at around 02:30 am (Egypt local time) today over the Mediterranean sea. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service, Flight MS 804 from Paris, France to Cairo, Egypt.Airbus regrets to confirm that an A320 operated by Egyptair was lost at around 02:30 am (Egypt local time) today over the Mediterranean sea. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service, Flight MS 804 from Paris, France to Cairo, Egypt.
The aircraft involved, registered under SU-GCC was MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 2088 delivered to Egyptair from the production line in November 2003. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 48,000 flight hours. It was powered by IAE engines. At this time no further factual information is available.The aircraft involved, registered under SU-GCC was MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 2088 delivered to Egyptair from the production line in November 2003. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 48,000 flight hours. It was powered by IAE engines. At this time no further factual information is available.
In line with ICAO annex 13, Airbus stands-by ready to provide full technical assistance to French Investigation Agency - BEA - and to the Authorities in charge of the investigation.In line with ICAO annex 13, Airbus stands-by ready to provide full technical assistance to French Investigation Agency - BEA - and to the Authorities in charge of the investigation.
The first A320 entered service in March 1988. At the end of April 2016 over6700 A320 Family aircraft were in operation worldwide. To date, the entire fleet has accumulated nearly 180 million flight hours in over 98 million flights.The first A320 entered service in March 1988. At the end of April 2016 over6700 A320 Family aircraft were in operation worldwide. To date, the entire fleet has accumulated nearly 180 million flight hours in over 98 million flights.
Our concerns go to all those affected.Our concerns go to all those affected.
Airbus will make further factual information available as soon as the details have been confirmed and cleared by the authorities for release.Airbus will make further factual information available as soon as the details have been confirmed and cleared by the authorities for release.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.25am BSTat 9.25am BST
9.21am BST9.21am BST
09:2109:21
Egypt’s minister of Civil Aviation Sherif Fathy is due to hold press conference, but not for almost three hours.Egypt’s minister of Civil Aviation Sherif Fathy is due to hold press conference, but not for almost three hours.
Daily News Egypt says the press conference by Sherif Fathy is due to take place at 1pm local time (12pm BST).Daily News Egypt says the press conference by Sherif Fathy is due to take place at 1pm local time (12pm BST).
Update: Minister of Civil Aviation Sherif Fathy to hold press conference at 1 pm on #EgyptAirMS804 missing craftUpdate: Minister of Civil Aviation Sherif Fathy to hold press conference at 1 pm on #EgyptAirMS804 missing craft
9.13am BST9.13am BST
09:1309:13
Plane 'crashed' off Greek islandsPlane 'crashed' off Greek islands
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
There is an unconfirmed report that the plane crashed in the Mediterranean 130 miles from the Greek island of Karpathos. AFP’s Jean-Marc Mojon cites a Greek aviation source for the report.There is an unconfirmed report that the plane crashed in the Mediterranean 130 miles from the Greek island of Karpathos. AFP’s Jean-Marc Mojon cites a Greek aviation source for the report.
#EgyptAir plane crashed 130 nautical miles off #Greek island of Karpathos in Egyptian airspace at 0029 GMT: Greek civil aviation source @AFP#EgyptAir plane crashed 130 nautical miles off #Greek island of Karpathos in Egyptian airspace at 0029 GMT: Greek civil aviation source @AFP
“At around 0029 GMT (3:29 am) when it was in Egyptian airspace, the plane disappeared from Greek radars... it crashed around 130 nautical miles off the island of Karpathos,” the source told AFP.“At around 0029 GMT (3:29 am) when it was in Egyptian airspace, the plane disappeared from Greek radars... it crashed around 130 nautical miles off the island of Karpathos,” the source told AFP.
The official said the last communication with the pilot was three minutes before the plane disappeared, and that there had been no distress call.The official said the last communication with the pilot was three minutes before the plane disappeared, and that there had been no distress call.
The Greek defence ministry said it had dispatched two search planes and a frigate to the area.The Greek defence ministry said it had dispatched two search planes and a frigate to the area.
EgyptAir continues to appeal to the media to “abide” by official press releases on the missing plane.EgyptAir continues to appeal to the media to “abide” by official press releases on the missing plane.
and to abide by the official press releases issued by EGYPTAIR media center.and to abide by the official press releases issued by EGYPTAIR media center.
The boat tracking website, MarineTraffic, has put together a video of at least five ships that appear to be joining the sea search for the missing Airbus around its last known location in the Mediterranean.The boat tracking website, MarineTraffic, has put together a video of at least five ships that appear to be joining the sea search for the missing Airbus around its last known location in the Mediterranean.