Saudia Boeing 777-300ER, flight SV826 en route from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Jakarta, Indonesia, Diverts to Chennai Mid-Flight – What is the Mystery Behind the Change?

Published on November 6, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

A Saudia Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, flight SV826, which was en route from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Jakarta, Indonesia, has been unexpectedly diverted to Chennai, India. The diversion occurred mid-flight, but the exact reason for the change in course remains unknown at this time.

The aircraft, with registration number HZ-AK34, was initially scheduled to fly from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. However, approximately midway into the journey, the flight was rerouted to Chennai International Airport, a decision that has left many passengers and aviation experts questioning the cause of the diversion.

What Happened During the Flight?
Saudia Flight SV826 took off from Jeddah as scheduled, carrying numerous passengers on its long-haul route to Jakarta. However, about halfway into the flight, the aircraft’s route was altered, and it made an unplanned landing at Chennai International Airport, located in the southern part of India.

The passengers aboard the flight have been informed of the diversion, but the airline has yet to disclose the specific reason for the change in course. While diversions are not uncommon in aviation, especially for technical or weather-related reasons, this particular instance has raised questions as the airline has not yet provided any further details about the situation.

Chennai airport authorities, in coordination with Saudia Airlines, handled the situation efficiently, ensuring that the aircraft landed safely on the runway. Passengers were expected to disembark and await further instructions regarding their travel plans, though updates on how long the diversion will delay the flight to Jakarta have yet to be confirmed.

Where Did the Diversion Occur?
The diversion took place in the airspace between Jeddah and Jakarta, but the flight ultimately landed at Chennai International Airport. Chennai, a major hub for both domestic and international flights in India, served as an emergency stop for the diverted aircraft.

Chennai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in India, and it has the necessary facilities to accommodate large aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER. The airport’s emergency response team was on standby in case of any urgent issues. Thankfully, the diversion was handled smoothly, with no major incidents reported.

When Did This Happen?
Saudia Flight SV826 departed from Jeddah on its scheduled route to Jakarta. The exact time of the diversion has not been publicly specified, but it occurred during the early stages of the flight. As the flight was diverted before reaching the Indonesian airspace, it indicates that the incident happened relatively soon after takeoff.

The timing of the diversion, however, remains unclear, and Saudia Airlines has not yet issued a comprehensive statement regarding the situation. Passengers on the flight have been waiting for clarification on when they will be able to continue their journey to Jakarta, and whether additional arrangements will be made for those affected.

Why Was the Flight Diverted?
As of now, the reason behind the diversion of Saudia Flight SV826 remains undetermined. Diversions like these are typically prompted by several possible factors, including but not limited to:

• Technical issues: The aircraft may have encountered a malfunction or system alert that required a change of course.
• Weather conditions: Unfavorable weather, such as severe storms or turbulence, might have made the route to Jakarta unsafe.
• Medical emergencies: Occasionally, a passenger’s medical situation could require an unscheduled stop.
• Operational decisions: There could have been operational issues, such as fuel management or flight crew concerns, prompting the rerouting.

Saudia Airlines has yet to officially address the reason for the diversion, and aviation authorities are working to gather more information. The airline has assured the public that passenger safety has remained a top priority throughout the incident.

How Is Saudia Handling the Situation?
Saudia Airlines has taken swift action to handle the situation, ensuring that the aircraft landed safely at Chennai. Passengers on board have been informed of the diversion, and the airline is working to make further arrangements for their travel to Jakarta.

Chennai airport staff and ground crew were on standby to assist passengers in disembarking and making further travel arrangements. Saudia Airlines is expected to update passengers on the status of their connecting flight to Jakarta, including rebooking options if necessary.

The airline has also communicated to passengers about the situation through its customer service channels. However, the lack of detailed information about the reason for the diversion has left many passengers and observers anxious for more clarity.

Conclusion:
Saudia Flight SV826’s unexpected diversion to Chennai has raised questions within the aviation community, especially as the airline has yet to provide details about the cause of the change in flight path. While the situation was handled efficiently with no major incidents, the lack of clarity regarding the diversion’s reason has left many wondering what prompted the aircraft to divert so early into its journey. As Saudia Airlines continues to investigate the matter, passengers affected by the incident are awaiting further updates on their travel plans.

A Saudia Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, flight SV826, which was en route from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Jakarta, Indonesia, has been unexpectedly diverted to Chennai, India. The diversion occurred mid-flight, but the exact reason for the change in course remains unknown at this time.

The aircraft, with registration number HZ-AK34, was initially scheduled to fly from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. However, approximately midway into the journey, the flight was rerouted to Chennai International Airport, a decision that has left many passengers and aviation experts questioning the cause of the diversion.

What Happened During the Flight?
Saudia Flight SV826 took off from Jeddah as scheduled, carrying numerous passengers on its long-haul route to Jakarta. However, about halfway into the flight, the aircraft’s route was altered, and it made an unplanned landing at Chennai International Airport, located in the southern part of India.

The passengers aboard the flight have been informed of the diversion, but the airline has yet to disclose the specific reason for the change in course. While diversions are not uncommon in aviation, especially for technical or weather-related reasons, this particular instance has raised questions as the airline has not yet provided any further details about the situation.

Chennai airport authorities, in coordination with Saudia Airlines, handled the situation efficiently, ensuring that the aircraft landed safely on the runway. Passengers were expected to disembark and await further instructions regarding their travel plans, though updates on how long the diversion will delay the flight to Jakarta have yet to be confirmed.

Where Did the Diversion Occur?
The diversion took place in the airspace between Jeddah and Jakarta, but the flight ultimately landed at Chennai International Airport. Chennai, a major hub for both domestic and international flights in India, served as an emergency stop for the diverted aircraft.

Chennai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in India, and it has the necessary facilities to accommodate large aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER. The airport’s emergency response team was on standby in case of any urgent issues. Thankfully, the diversion was handled smoothly, with no major incidents reported.

When Did This Happen?
Saudia Flight SV826 departed from Jeddah on its scheduled route to Jakarta. The exact time of the diversion has not been publicly specified, but it occurred during the early stages of the flight. As the flight was diverted before reaching the Indonesian airspace, it indicates that the incident happened relatively soon after takeoff.

The timing of the diversion, however, remains unclear, and Saudia Airlines has not yet issued a comprehensive statement regarding the situation. Passengers on the flight have been waiting for clarification on when they will be able to continue their journey to Jakarta, and whether additional arrangements will be made for those affected.

Why Was the Flight Diverted?
As of now, the reason behind the diversion of Saudia Flight SV826 remains undetermined. Diversions like these are typically prompted by several possible factors, including but not limited to:

• Technical issues: The aircraft may have encountered a malfunction or system alert that required a change of course.
• Weather conditions: Unfavorable weather, such as severe storms or turbulence, might have made the route to Jakarta unsafe.
• Medical emergencies: Occasionally, a passenger’s medical situation could require an unscheduled stop.
• Operational decisions: There could have been operational issues, such as fuel management or flight crew concerns, prompting the rerouting.

Saudia Airlines has yet to officially address the reason for the diversion, and aviation authorities are working to gather more information. The airline has assured the public that passenger safety has remained a top priority throughout the incident.

How Is Saudia Handling the Situation?
Saudia Airlines has taken swift action to handle the situation, ensuring that the aircraft landed safely at Chennai. Passengers on board have been informed of the diversion, and the airline is working to make further arrangements for their travel to Jakarta.

Chennai airport staff and ground crew were on standby to assist passengers in disembarking and making further travel arrangements. Saudia Airlines is expected to update passengers on the status of their connecting flight to Jakarta, including rebooking options if necessary.

The airline has also communicated to passengers about the situation through its customer service channels. However, the lack of detailed information about the reason for the diversion has left many passengers and observers anxious for more clarity.

Conclusion:
Saudia Flight SV826’s unexpected diversion to Chennai has raised questions within the aviation community, especially as the airline has yet to provide details about the cause of the change in flight path. While the situation was handled efficiently with no major incidents, the lack of clarity regarding the diversion’s reason has left many wondering what prompted the aircraft to divert so early into its journey. As Saudia Airlines continues to investigate the matter, passengers affected by the incident are awaiting further updates on their travel plans.