Saudia Airlines Operations Criticized After Dual Incidents Disrupt Hajj Return Flights Including In Flight Deaths and Security Diversion

Published on June 21, 2025

Indonesia’s 2025 Hajj return phase was marred by two serious incidents involving Saudi Arabian Airlines, triggering widespread concern over pilgrim safety and aviation security.

Indonesia’s 2025 Hajj return phase was marred by two serious incidents involving Saudi Arabian Airlines, triggering widespread concern over pilgrim safety and aviation security. On June 20, a flight from Saudi Arabia to Surabaya ended in sorrow as two elderly passengers died shortly before landing. Less than twenty-four hours later, a separate Saudia flight en route to Surabaya was diverted to Kualanamu Airport after a mid-air threat prompted emergency protocols.

Fatal Medical Emergency Onboard Return Hajj Flight
A Saudia-operated return flight transporting Indonesian pilgrims concluded with the tragic loss of two passengers. The aircraft, part of Hajj Group 29, landed at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya at 04:50 AM local time on June 20, with reports confirming that two individuals had died during the journey.

The deceased were returning to East Java after completing their pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Initial assessments suggest that both individuals experienced health complications during the flight—one reportedly due to hypertension, the other from cardiac arrest. Adverse weather conditions and altitude changes may have intensified their medical conditions.

Despite the presence of onboard medical personnel, efforts to revive the passengers were unsuccessful. Upon landing, standard procedures were followed to handle the situation with dignity and sensitivity. The remains were transported to their home region in East Java for burial.

This incident adds to the growing list of Hajj-related fatalities recorded during this year’s pilgrimage cycle. Officials have emphasized the importance of enhanced medical preparedness and thorough pre-departure screenings for elderly participants.

Saudia Flight Redirected Amid Threat Scare
A day after the mid-flight deaths, another aircraft operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines faced a serious security incident. Flight SV5688, which was carrying 376 passengers from Jeddah to Surabaya, was forced to make an unplanned landing at Kualanamu International Airport in North Sumatra due to a threat reported mid-flight.

The threat was communicated through air traffic coordination channels and led to immediate action from the flight crew. AirNav Indonesia and regional air traffic controllers coordinated the diversion to ensure the aircraft could land at the nearest secure facility.

Touching down safely at 09:27 AM Western Indonesian Time on June 21, the Airbus A330 was directed to an isolated section of the tarmac for emergency handling. Passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and both individuals and luggage underwent full security inspections. No suspicious objects or explosive devices were discovered during the search.

National Security Response Activated
The threat triggered a swift response from national security agencies. Counterterrorism units were deployed to lead the investigation, applying standard threat assessment protocols. This marks the second such scare involving Saudia within the same week, following a June 17 incident in which another flight, also carrying Hajj pilgrims, was diverted to Kualanamu due to a similar false alarm.

Authorities are working to trace the origin of the threats and verify whether the incidents were coordinated. No evidence of foul play has been found in either case, but the recurrence has raised alarms about security gaps during high-volume pilgrimage travel.

Implications for Hajj Operations and Passenger Welfare
The two incidents—one medical, the other security-related—have cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities associated with large-scale Hajj return operations. With tens of thousands of pilgrims returning to Indonesia over a short span, airline operators and government agencies are under pressure to reassess protocols surrounding passenger health and flight security.

Particular focus has been placed on elderly travelers, whose health risks increase significantly under the physical and emotional stress of long journeys. Enhanced onboard medical facilities, real-time health monitoring tools, and more rigorous health screening are being proposed as ways to minimize risks in future operations.

Meanwhile, aviation security experts are calling for improved coordination between airports, airlines, and national intelligence units to swiftly manage threats without unnecessarily disrupting flight schedules or causing public panic.