Civil Aviation Minister Hossam Kamal ordered an investigation into the incident of EgyptAir's flight 986 from New York, an official at Cairo International Airport said Tuesday on condition of anonymity.

The plane passed through a "sudden air pocket", leaving 12 passengers injured, according to the source.

The minister ordered an expanded probe, the source said, adding that the injured were rushed to EgyptAir Hospital following receiving first-aid medication.

According to EgyptAir Chairman Hisham Al Nahas, the 12 passengers suffered slight injuries whether because they were not in their seats or failed to fasten their seat belts when the incident occurred.

Source: MENA