Engine Constraints, Garuda Aircraft Brings Hajj Pilgrims Group 5 Return To Base

PHOTOS OF DOCUMENTATION ILLUSTRATION/ANTARA PHOTO/Arnas Padda/rwa.

Garuda Indonesia stated that the GA-1105 aircraft, the Makassar-Madinah route, which is a 5 Makassar embarkation Hajj flight, decided to fly back to the departure airport or Return to Base (RTB) to mitigate the risks of operational security aspects.

President Director of Garuda Indonesia Irfan Setiaputra said the RTB decision was taken by Pilot in Command (PIC) as soon as the plane took off taking into account the condition of aircraft engine constraints that required further inspection, after it was discovered that there was a spark on one of the engines.

"Due to this condition, aircraft engines are required to undergo a thorough inspection procedure as part of efforts to ensure the readiness of the fleet to be able to return to operation," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 15.

Irfan said the flight had landed safely at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar at 17.15 local time (LT), and all passengers were being directed back to the dormitory to wait for the readiness of the replacement plane.

All aircraft passengers, said Irfan, arrived at the airport safely and well, and will be dispatched again as soon as possible referring to the readiness of the replacement aircraft.

"The congregational assistance process to the dormitory also involves relevant airport stakeholders to ensure that the safety and comfort aspects of the passengers are well maintained," he said.

Previously, GA-1105, which was operated with a B747-400 fleet, departed from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport at 15:30 LT and was scheduled to arrive at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina at 21.10 LT. The flight carried at least 450 passengers, who were a group of prospective pilgrims from Makassar embarkation, as well as 18 crew members.

Irfan apologized for the inconvenience that occurred to all pilgrims on the flight and also the Indonesian Ministry of Religion as the organizer of the hajj.

"Garuda Indonesia is coordinating intensively with related parties to ensure follow-up to handling pilgrims to be able to continue their journey again," he said.