Helvetic Airways was operating three services a week between the cities last winter, with a stop in Bristol.

BBC: Swiss airline Helvetic ends Cardiff winter flights

The aircraft targeted was a regular passenger flight operated by Helvetic Airways on behalf of Swiss, Switzerland's national airline.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

At the time, there were about 20 passengers on board the aircraft, which was a regular passenger flight from Brussels to Zurich operated by Helvetic Airways on behalf of Swiss, Van der Cruysse said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS