Russia's special forces have managed to prevent a hijacker from taking complete control of a plane carrying 105 passengers.

A note was handed to a crew member on Thursday as
a plane, which had departed from the North Caucasus city of Mineralniye Vody, was landing at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport.

The note, which demanded a meeting with journalists and officials, led to a passenger then taking control of the plane.

The aircraft was later freed by special forces who boarded the plane in disguise.

After the passenger agreed to allow several other sick travellers to see a doctor, the special branch sent in its own agents who overpowered the man.

It has not been revealed how he was able to take control of the plane.