Medan, Indonesia – A Saudia Airlines flight carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Jakarta was diverted to Medan’s Kualanamu International Airport on Tuesday after an email bomb threat, Indonesian aviation authorities reported. The incident prompted swift action to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.
The threat, sent via email at 7:30 AM local time by an unidentified source, claimed an intent to “blow up” flight SV 5276. The plane, carrying 207 male and 235 female pilgrims returning from the Hajj pilgrimage, was en route to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport when the pilot decided to divert to Medan, Sumatra, after 10:00 AM. The decision prioritized passenger safety amid the reported security risk.
Upon landing, the pilgrims were evacuated, and a bomb disposal unit thoroughly inspected the aircraft for explosive devices. Indonesia’s airport operator, InJourney Airports, confirmed the diversion was a precautionary measure. As of Tuesday evening, the plane remained at Kualanamu International Airport, with no further updates on the investigation.
The incident underscores the heightened security concerns surrounding air travel, particularly during significant religious events like Hajj. Authorities are working to identify the source of the threat and ensure safe travel for all passengers.
