Bomb Threat Grounds Indonesian Haj Flight, Second Incident in a Week

Another flight bound for Indonesia, carrying hundreds of pilgrims, was diverted on Saturday due to a bomb threat, marking a disturbing trend. This is the second such incident in a week, raising serious security concerns for those returning from the Hajj pilgrimage.

Flight Diverted to Medan

Saudia Airlines flight SV5688, which departed from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was en route to Surabaya, Indonesia. However, the aircraft was rerouted to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, after officials in Jakarta received a bomb threat, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. All passengers and crew, totaling 389 individuals, are reported safe.

Update: A plane carrying hundreds of Haj pilgrims has been diverted to Medan, Indonesia, following a bomb threat. This is the second such incident in a week.

— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews) March 9, 2024

Regional airport authority head, Asri Santosa, confirmed that the plane was being inspected. The passengers, comprised of pilgrims from Java, are scheduled to continue their journey on Sunday. The Indonesian anti-terror squad, Densus 88, is currently investigating this latest threat. The number of bomb threats against commercial flights globally has jumped by 60% in the last year, according to the FAA (FAA 2024).

Prior Incident Under Investigation

On Tuesday, a previous flight also carrying pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta had to be diverted to Medan because of an emailed bomb threat. The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is collaborating with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the email threat, stated Polri chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

“We are looking into whether this case falls under Indonesia’s jurisdiction. Everything is being investigated thoroughly,”

—General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Polri chief

Authorities are investigating the origins of both threats, and whether they are connected.