DHAKA: A Russian plane has disappeared from radar just minutes after take-off from the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russian media say.

They are quoting a source at the emergency ministry as saying the missing aircraft is a Tu-154, reports BBC.

Between 70 and 100 people are reported to be on board the plane.

Citing the Russian Defence Ministry, Russia Today (RT) reported that ninety-one people were on board the aircraft, including 83 passengers and eight crew members.

Unconfirmed reports say the aircraft belongs to the defense ministry, flying to Syria's Latakia province. Russian officials have so far made no comment.

Interfax news agency reports quoted a source as saying that the plane disappeared from radar 20 minutes after take-off at 05:20 local time (02:20 GMT).

The aircraft went missing as it was manoeuvring over Russia's territorial waters, the source added.

Reports suggest a military music band and reporters were among those on board the aircraft.

A search operation is now under way, Russia's state-run Rossiya24 TV channel reports.

BDST: 1134 HRS, DEC 25, 2015
AP