Surabaya, Indonesia – June 17, 2025
A flight transporting Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia was diverted to Surabaya on Tuesday morning after receiving a bomb threat, authorities reported. The Garuda Indonesia flight, carrying 227 passengers, landed safely at Juanda International Airport, where a comprehensive security sweep found no evidence of danger.
Emergency Landing Executed
Flight GA 9902 took off from Makassar’s Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport at around 7:30 a.m., bound for Jeddah. Mid-flight, an anonymous threat alleging an onboard explosive device prompted the crew to reroute the Boeing 747 to Surabaya for an emergency landing. The plane touched down at 9:15 a.m., and all passengers and crew were promptly evacuated.
Security forces, including bomb disposal experts and canine units, conducted an exhaustive inspection of the aircraft. After hours of scrutiny, officials declared the threat a hoax, with no hazardous materials detected. “Our priority was to ensure the safety of everyone onboard,” said Inspector General Rudi Santoso of the Indonesian National Police.
Passenger Experience and Support
The sudden diversion caused unease among passengers, many of whom were embarking on the spiritual journey of Hajj. “It was unsettling, but the crew handled it professionally,” said Fatimah, a 52-year-old pilgrim. Garuda Indonesia arranged temporary lodging and meals for passengers in Surabaya and scheduled a new flight to Jeddah later that day.
In a public statement, Garuda Indonesia expressed regret for the disruption while reaffirming its dedication to passenger safety. “We are working closely with law enforcement to investigate this incident and prevent future occurrences,” the airline noted.
Authorities Seek Culprit
The Indonesian police have initiated a detailed investigation to uncover the source of the Hajj flight bomb threat. Preliminary reports suggest the threat was delivered through an untraceable email, prompting authorities to involve cybercrime specialists. “Those responsible will face strict legal action,” Santoso emphasized, referencing Indonesia’s stringent laws against aviation threats.
The incident underscores the challenges of securing air travel during peak pilgrimage seasons. With thousands of Indonesians traveling for Hajj, airports have heightened security measures, including enhanced passenger screenings and surveillance.
Pilgrims Resume Journey
By Tuesday evening, the affected pilgrims were back on track, boarding a replacement flight to Saudi Arabia. “We’re relieved and eager to continue our pilgrimage,” said Ahmad, a passenger from Makassar. The swift response by authorities and the airline ensured minimal disruption to the group’s spiritual journey, though the Hajj flight bomb threat has sparked discussions about strengthening aviation security protocols nationwide.
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