Two Indonesian Hajj Flights from Saudia Experience Technical Issues, Pilgrims Accommodated in Five Hotels

The Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has reported that two Hajj flights operated by Saudia Airlines experienced issues while transporting Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Hajj spokesperson Maria Assegaf stated that the aircraft on the Surabaya-Madinah and Batam-Madinah routes were carrying groups of Hajj pilgrims. “There are several technical issues with the flights for prospective Hajj pilgrims that are currently being addressed,” said Maria Assegaf during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday (27/4/2026). She explained that the first issue occurred on Sunday (26/4/2026), when the Saudia Airlines aircraft serving the Surabaya-Madinah route made a technical landing at Kualanamu Airport in Medan due to a hydraulic malfunction. Around 380 prospective pilgrims affected have been provided accommodation in three separate hotels near the airport. They are also continuously receiving services and assistance from officials. The second issue occurred on Monday (27/4/2026), when the same airline’s aircraft serving the Batam embarkation group flight (Kloter) 5 experienced a technical malfunction in the flight control system after arriving 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 accommodation options in five different hotels with full supervision from officials. Kemenhaj has assured that prospective Hajj pilgrims continue to receive maximum services during the handling process. “Coordination is continuously being carried out 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 comprising 34,657 people have been dispatched to the Holy Land. Of that number, 78 Kloter or 30,611 people have arrived in Madinah.