Garuda Indonesia Medina-bound Flight Forced to Return to Makassar Over Fire Issue

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Garuda Indonesia flight, bearing the tail number GA-1105 and bound for Medina from Makassar, had to turn around to Sultan Hasanudin Airport on Wednesday, May 15. 

Irfan Setiaputra, the President Director of Garuda, said the plane carrying the fifth batch of Hajj pilgrims from Makassar was forced to return to base as a prompt measure to mitigate risks in the operational safety and security aspects of the flight.

He explained that the decision was promptly made by the Pilot in Command (PIC) shortly after takeoff due to the status of the aircraft engine, which required further inspection.

“After the discovery of a spark in one of the engines, the aircraft engine has to undergo a thorough check,” Irfan said in a written statement on Wednesday.

The flight landed safely at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar at 17:15 local time, and the passengers were directed back to the Hajj dormitory to wait for a substitute plane.

“All passengers arrived at the airport safe and soundly and will depart again as soon as possible depending on the readiness of the substitute aircraft,” Irfan said.

Operated by the B747-400 fleet, Flight GA-1105 departed from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport at 15:30 local time and was slated to reach Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina at 21:10 local time. 

The flight accommodated 450 passengers and 18 crew members. “We apologize for the inconvenience caused to all Hajj pilgrims on this flight and also to the Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry as the Hajj organizer,” Irfan said.

He stressed that Garuda Indonesia was in intensive coordination with related parties to ensure follow-up care for the Hajj pilgrims so that they could resume their holy journey.

JONIANSYAH

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