Received Bomb Terror, Ministry Of Transportation Ensures Repatriation Of SV 5688 Hajj Pilgrims Runs Smoothly

Illustration - Hajj pilgrims wait for departure at the airport. (Special)

The Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Ditjen Hubud) ensures that the process of repatriating 33 Surabaya flight groups (kloter) from Saudi Arabia with the Saudia Airlines flight number SV 5688 runs smoothly, safely and safely.

For your information, the SV 5688 aircraft carrying 376 passengers and flying on the Jeddah 'Muscat' Surabaya route received a bomb threat via a telephone line received by Air Traffic Control (ATC) officers at the Jakarta Area Control Center (ACC) from Kuala Lumpur ACC on June 21.

Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa said that after receiving the bomb terror, based on security procedures, the pilot decided to divert the route or divert to Kualanamu International Airport, Medan to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

The plane made an emergency landing in Kualanamu at 09.27 WIB and was immediately handled with emergency treatment procedures by airport officers, the Gegana Polri Team, the TNI, Aviation Security, and other elements. A thorough inspection was carried out on passengers, crew, aircraft cabins, as well as cargo compartments.

"At 16.30 WIB, the plane was handed over from the North Sumatra Police to the airport authorities with a green status, after being declared safe and no indication of any hazardous material was found," he said in an official statement, Sunday, June 22.

After getting a safe status, the plane was dispatched back to Surabaya on Sunday morning June 22 at 03.30 WIB, and landed safely at Juanda International Airport at 08.00 WIB.

During the handling period in Kualanamu, continued Lukman, all passengers and crew were facilitated with hotel accommodation, consumption, and service assistance by airport and airline teams.

"The Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Hubud continues to carry out intensive supervision and coordination with flight operators, airport managers, security authorities, and other related parties to ensure that all processes run according to procedures and continue to prioritize safety," said Lukman.

Lukman emphasized that the entire process of handling this incident was carried out by referring to the flight security contingency protocol, in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Transportation Number PM 140 of 2015 concerning the Management Program for the Emergency State of National Aviation Security and the Decree of the Director General of Civil Aviation Number 22 of 2024 concerning Technical Guidelines for the Assessment of Aviation Security Threats.

Just like the handling of the Saudia Airlines SV 5276 Jeddah route Jakarta, the flight security emergency measures taken are in accordance with applicable protocols. After going through a thorough assessment, the threats received are classified as hoaxes by the security authorities," said Lukman.

As a form of anticipation of potential similar incidents, the Directorate General of Hubud has established formal coordination with the Saudi Arabian Civil Aviation Authority or the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia to increase collaboration in flight security, especially during the Hajj transportation period.

"The Directorate General of Civil Aviation expresses his appreciation for all elements involved in handling quickly and professionally for this incident. The commitment of the Directorate General of Hubud remains at the top priority, namely maintaining the safety, security, and comfort of passengers in every national and international flight service," he said.