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Saudi Flight Carrying Hajj Pilgrims Diverted After Bomb Threat
In a display of quick thinking and coordinated international response, Saudi Arabian Airlines and relevant authorities acted swiftly and efficiently after a bomb threat led to the diversion of a flight carrying hundreds of Hajj pilgrims on Tuesday.
The Saudia flight, SV 5276, was en route from Jeddah to Jakarta with 442 pilgrims on board, when a security alert was raised.
A bomb threat, received via email at 7:30 a.m. local time by Indonesian aviation authorities, targeted the aircraft, claiming it would be blown up mid-air
In response to the potential threat, the pilot made a rapid and calculated decision to reroute the aircraft to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia — the nearest safe landing zone. The aircraft landed safely just after 10:00 a.m., where it was immediately met with emergency teams.
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The airport was promptly evacuated, and a bomb disposal unit conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft. Thankfully, no explosives were found, and all passengers and crew members were unharmed.
Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani, Director General of Corporate Communications at Saudi Airlines, commended the pilot’s judgment and reassured the public that all necessary security procedures were followed with precision. He emphasized the airline’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of its passengers at all times.
This incident highlights the professionalism and preparedness of Saudi authorities, whose calm and prompt response ensured the safety of hundreds of pilgrims in a potentially dangerous situation. Their swift action serves as a reminder of the high standards maintained by Saudi aviation in protecting both citizens and visitors during the sacred Hajj season.
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