Jakarta, Indonesia – June 17, 2025
A Garuda Indonesia flight carrying 227 Hajj pilgrims was forced to make an emergency landing in Surabaya on Tuesday after a bomb threat, officials confirmed. The Boeing 747, en route from Makassar to Jeddah, was diverted to Juanda International Airport following the alarming message, which sparked immediate concern among passengers and crew.
Swift Response to Threat
The aircraft, flight GA 9902, departed from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time. Shortly after takeoff, authorities received an anonymous threat claiming a bomb was onboard. The pilot, adhering to safety protocols, redirected the plane to Surabaya, where it landed safely at 9:15 a.m. All 227 passengers and 18 crew members were evacuated without incident.
Indonesian police and airport security teams conducted a thorough search of the aircraft. Bomb disposal units, assisted by sniffer dogs, inspected the cabin, cargo holds, and luggage. After an extensive investigation, authorities confirmed no explosives or suspicious items were found. “The threat was determined to be a hoax, but we take every precaution to ensure passenger safety,” said Senior Commissioner Ahmad Pratama, a spokesperson for the East Java Police.
Passenger Safety Prioritized
Passengers described moments of anxiety as the captain announced the diversion mid-flight. “We were told to remain calm, but it was frightening,” said Aisyah, a 45-year-old pilgrim from Makassar. After the all-clear was given, Garuda Indonesia provided accommodations and meals for passengers in Surabaya while arranging a replacement flight to continue their journey to Saudi Arabia later that day.
The airline issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety. “Garuda Indonesia is cooperating fully with authorities to investigate the source of the threat. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank passengers for their understanding,” the statement read.
Ongoing Investigation
Indonesian authorities have launched a probe to identify the perpetrator behind the bomb threat. Cybersecurity experts are analyzing communication channels to trace the origin of the message, which was reportedly sent via an anonymous email. “Such acts are not only disruptive but also carry severe legal consequences,” said Pratama, noting that Indonesia’s aviation laws impose harsh penalties for hoax threats.
The Hajj flight bomb threat has raised concerns about aviation security as thousands of Indonesian Muslims travel for the annual pilgrimage. Airports across the country have increased vigilance, with additional security screenings implemented to prevent similar disruptions.
As the investigation continues, passengers expressed relief at the safe resolution. “We’re just grateful to be safe and continuing our journey to perform Hajj,” said Muhammad Yusuf, a pilgrim from South Sulawesi. The replacement flight departed Surabaya late Tuesday, ensuring the pilgrims’ sacred journey resumed without further delay.
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