Lebanese aviation official says contact was lost with Ethiopian airliner with 85 passengers

Lebanese official: Ethiopian airliner missing

BEIRUT — A Lebanese aviation official says an Ethiopian Airlines plane with 85 people on board has disappeared off the radar shortly after takeoff from Beirut.

The official said contact was lost about 45 minutes after the early Monday departure.

He asked that his name not be used because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BEIRUT (AP) — A Lebanese aviation official says an Ethiopian Airlines plane with 85 people on board has disappeared off the radar shortly after takeoff from Beirut.

The official said contact was lost about 45 minutes after the early Monday departure.

He asked that his name not be used because he is not authorized to speak to the media.