Second Bomb Threat Diverts Hajj Pilgrim Flight in Indonesia

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JAKARTA: A flight carrying hundreds of Hajj pilgrims returning to Indonesia from the Middle East was rerouted on Saturday due to a bomb threat, marking the second such incident within a week, according to statements from officials in the transport ministry and police.

The Saudia Airlines flight SV5688 originated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, made a stop in Muscat, Oman, and was then headed for Surabaya, located on the main island of Java in Indonesia.

However, air traffic controllers in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, received a report about a potential bomb threat concerning the flight, prompting its diversion to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan on Saturday morning, as stated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Asri Santosa, head of the regional airport authority, confirmed that authorities were inspecting the aircraft upon its arrival, but operations at the airport on Sumatra Island continued without interruption.

All 376 passengers, who were Hajj pilgrims from Java, along with 13 crew members, were reported safe, according to North Sumatra police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan in a statement to AFP. A bomb squad was dispatched to conduct a thorough sweep of the aircraft.

Passengers are expected to continue their journey on Sunday, Santosa added.

This incident follows another emergency on Tuesday when a different plane carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta was also diverted to Medan after an email threat was received by authorities.