Hajj Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing in Medan

Two Indonesian Hajj pilgrim transport aircraft experienced technical disruptions. One Hajj flight on the Surabaya-Madinah route made an emergency landing at Kualanamu Airport in Medan, North Sumatra. Additionally, a flight on the Batam-Madinah route encountered technical issues at Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, Riau Islands. Both aircraft affected by the disruptions belong to Saudia Airlines. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Maria Assegaf, stated that the issues faced by the aircraft and the prospective Hajj pilgrims on board both flights are being addressed. “There are several technical issues with the prospective Hajj pilgrim flights that are currently being handled,” said Maria Assegaf on Monday (27/4), as quoted from Antara. The first issue occurred on Sunday (26/4), when a Saudi Airlines aircraft serving the Surabaya-Madinah route made a technical landing at Kualanamu Airport in Medan due to a hydraulic malfunction. The 380 affected prospective pilgrims have been provided with accommodation in three separate hotels near the airport. They are also continuously receiving services and assistance from officials. The second issue occurred on Monday (27/4), when the same airline’s aircraft serving the Batam embarkation group’s (Kloter) 5 pilgrims experienced a technical disruption in the flight control system upon arrival at Hang Nadim Airport. Maria mentioned that the aircraft repair process is ongoing while awaiting the arrival of necessary spare parts. In the meantime, the pilgrims have been given options for accommodation in five different hotels with full assistance from officials. The Ministry of Religious Affairs ensures that prospective Hajj pilgrims continue to receive maximum service during the handling process. “Coordination continues with the airline and all related parties to expedite this handling,” said Maria. As of the seventh day of Hajj operations or Sunday at 24.00 WIB, 88 Kloter groups comprising 34,657 people have been dispatched to the Holy Land. Of that number, 78 Kloter groups or 30,611 people have arrived in Madinah.