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A commercial flight carrying Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj was forced to make an emergency landing in Indonesia on Monday following a bomb threat, authorities confirmed.

The aircraft, operated by a major Southeast Asian airline, was en route to Jeddah when the crew received an alert indicating a possible explosive device on board. The plane was immediately diverted to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, where it landed safely under high security.

Indonesian National Police and airport security swiftly evacuated passengers and crew. Bomb disposal units conducted a thorough search of the aircraft and cargo hold. As of this report, no explosive device has been found.

“Security protocols were followed to the letter. Thankfully, all 387 passengers and 16 crew members disembarked safely, and no injuries have been reported,” said Air Vice Marshal Rudi Salim, head of airport operations.

Authorities are now investigating the origin of the threat, which came via an anonymous message received by the airline shortly after takeoff. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of a hoax but say they are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

The pilgrims, most of whom were elderly, were temporarily housed in nearby accommodations and are expected to resume their journey once clearance is granted.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said the disruption was “regrettable but necessary for the safety of all aboard” and assured affected pilgrims they would reach Saudi Arabia before the Hajj rites begin.

This incident marks the latest in a string of heightened aviation alerts in the region, prompting renewed calls for tighter airport screening and stronger international coordination.