Two Libyan hijackers seeking asylum in Europe to "establish a pro-Gaddafi party" have surrendered following a tense stand-off lasting more than four hours after forcing a plane to land with 118 people on board in Malta.

The men in their 20s, supporters of the late former leader, Muammar Gaddafi, were seen walking away from the Afriqiyah Airways plane with the final crew members after giving themselves up on Friday afternoon.

The Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, said on Twitter that the pair - who had threatened to blow up the plane with grenades - had released all 111 passengers and seven crew members, adding: "Hijackers surrendered, searched and taken in custody."