Two Saudia Airlines Passengers Died on Flight at Same Time

4 godzin temu

SURABAYA- A Hajj return flight carrying Indonesian pilgrims ended in tragedy on June 20, 2025, when two elderly passengers died mid-flight shortly before landing at Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya.

The pilgrims were returning aboard a Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) flight as part of Group 29. Both were residents of Bangkalan, East Java, and died approximately one hour before arrival.

Two Saudia Hajj Pilgrims Died

Flight Group 29, returning from the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, landed at Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport (SUB) at 04:50 AM local time. Onboard, two Bangkalan residents—Hj. Mukatin Wakimin Samin, 67, and Hj. Salimah Deman Sadih, 85, were confirmed dead before touchdown.

Officials from the Bangkalan Religious Affairs Office, including Hajj and Umrah Coordinator Arif Rochman, confirmed that both pilgrims passed away during the flight operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV).

The cause of death was reported as sudden medical complications mid-air. “They passed away almost at the same time,” Rochman said.

The total Hajj group from Bangkalan consisted of 659 pilgrims, divided into Groups 29, 30, and 38. Groups 29 and 30 arrived home on Friday, while Group 38 is expected on Sunday.

In-Flight Medical Emergencies and Response

Anita Oktavia, the flight doctor for Group 29, stated that Hj. Mukatin was likely affected by high blood pressure, while Hj. Salimah reportedly suffered a heart attack. Both conditions were exacerbated by turbulent weather during the flight.

According to Anita, medical staff and fellow pilgrim doctors acted quickly once the call for assistance was made. “We tried to provide emergency support immediately. Hj. Mukatin was declared dead about 15 minutes after losing consciousness, and Hj. Salimah passed away five minutes later,” she said.

Salimah’s son, Adnan, mentioned that his mother had experienced dizziness and breathing difficulty before her condition worsened. Despite prompt aid, she could not be revived before the aircraft landed.

The two bodies were returned to the Burneh District, Bangkalan, for burial following arrival. Their passing brings the total number of Hajj-related deaths among Bangkalan pilgrims in 2025 to four—one before departure, one during the pilgrimage, and now two on the return flight.

Local authorities and religious leaders have extended their condolences and support to the bereaved families.

Bomb Threat on Saudia Flight

A Saudia Airlines (SV) flight en route from Jeddah (JED) to Surabaya (SUB) made an emergency landing at Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, on Saturday following a bomb threat.

This marks the second such incident involving Saudia Airlines in under a week, prompting enhanced scrutiny and a response from Indonesia’s counterterrorism unit, Densus 88.

Flight SV5688, operated by Saudia Airlines (SV) on the Jeddah–Surabaya route, was diverted to Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) at 09:27 AM WIB on June 21 as a precautionary measure after a bomb threat was reported mid-flight.

The aircraft, an Airbus A330 carrying 376 passengers, landed safely and underwent a full security screening.

The alert was initially received by AirNav Indonesia in Jakarta, who relayed the information to Kuala Lumpur’s Air Traffic Control (ATC). The ATC then informed the pilot, who requested an immediate diversion to the nearest secure airport, Kualanamu. Upon landing, the aircraft was secured, and passengers were screened thoroughly.

Densus 88 Leads Bomb Threat Investigation

Indonesia’s elite counterterrorism squad, Densus 88, has taken over the investigation. According to Police Spokesperson AKBP Mayndra Eka Wardhana, Densus 88 is following standard protocols to determine the source and credibility of the threat.

This latest bomb scare follows a similar incident on June 17 involving Saudia Airlines flight SV5726 from Jeddah (JED) to Jakarta (CGK).

That aircraft, with registration HZ-AK32 and carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims from Depok, was also diverted to Kualanamu International Airport. No explosives were found in either case.

Airport Operations and Passenger Safety Protocols

PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi, the operator of Kualanamu Airport, confirmed that emergency handling procedures were activated immediately. The Emergency Operation Center coordinated with the airport’s security committee to ensure a safe, orderly response.

All 376 passengers and crew from SV5688 underwent thorough terminal checks and were cleared. Flight operations at Kualanamu International Airport remained stable and on schedule throughout the event.

According to Angkasa Pura’s Acting Director of Operations, Nugroho, the airport ensured all processes followed regulatory protocols while maintaining public safety and flight continuity.

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