Saudia Flight Carrying Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Makes Emergency Landing After Bomb Hoax: All Passengers Safe

JEDDAH/MEDAN: A Saudia flight carrying over 440 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah to Jakarta was forced to make an emergency landing on Tuesday after a bomb threat was received mid-flight. Authorities have confirmed the threat was a hoax, and all passengers and crew are safe.

Flight SV5276, operated by Saudia Airlines, was en route to Jakarta when an email was received at 7:30 a.m. local time alleging the presence of an explosive device onboard. As a precaution, the aircraft was diverted and safely landed at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra.

According to Abdullah Al-Shahrani, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Saudia, the decision to divert was taken in strict adherence to security protocols.

All 442 pilgrims (207 men and 235 women) were safely evacuated from the aircraft after landing. No injuries were reported.

“Local authorities conducted immediate and thorough checks of the aircraft,” Saudia said in an official statement. “The bomb threat was determined to be false. The safety and well-being of our guests and crew remain our highest priority.”

The North Sumatra Regional Police confirmed that security teams inspected the aircraft and surrounding area and found no threats. Once cleared, Saudia resumed the Jakarta-bound flight, allowing the pilgrims to continue their journey.

The incident caused brief disruption but was handled swiftly and professionally, with full cooperation between Saudia, Indonesian authorities, and airport security.

Pilgrims Resumed Journey After Clearance

The flight, part of the Hajj return operations for Indonesian pilgrims, resumed shortly after all safety checks were completed.

Saudia coordinated onward travel arrangements and provided support for the affected passengers at Kualanamu Airport.

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