Technical Glitches Delay Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims on Saudia Airlines Flights

The journey of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land has encountered unfortunate setbacks due to technical difficulties with Saudia Airlines flights. Two separate incidents have caused significant disruption, impacting pilgrims bound for Madinah from Surabaya and Batam. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) RI has reported these issues, assuring that all affected pilgrims are receiving maximum service and support during the handling process.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, April 26, 2026, when a Surabaya-Madinah flight had to make an emergency landing at Kualanamu Airport in Medan due to a hydraulic system failure. Approximately 380 pilgrims were affected and provided with accommodation in three separate hotels near the airport. They are being continuously supported by officials throughout this unexpected delay.

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There are several technical issues with the flights of prospective Hajj pilgrims that are currently being handled.

Adding to the concern, a second flight, carrying pilgrims from the Batam embarkation group (Kloter 5), experienced a technical fault in its flight control system shortly after arriving at Hang Nadim Airport on Monday, April 27, 2026. Repairs are currently underway, awaiting necessary spare parts. In the interim, the affected pilgrims have been offered accommodation in five different hotels, with full support from officials. Kemenhaj is coordinating closely with Saudia Airlines and all relevant parties to expedite the resolution of these issues, ensuring the pilgrims' comfort and safety remain paramount.

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Coordination continues to be carried out with the airline and all related parties to expedite this handling.