Garuda Unites Citilink, Batik Air, and Lion Air Pilots Risk Lives in Deadly Emergency Landings Across Indonesia – What the Airlines Don’t Want You to Know!

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago and one of Asia’s busiest aviation markets. The combination of remote islands, volatile weather and heavy passenger loads means the nation’s pilots and air‑traffic controllers must be prepared for emergency situations. A handful of high‑profile flights — ranging from police helicopters to long‑haul jetliners — were forced to make emergency landings on Indonesian soil. Although none of these incidents caused major casualties, each prompted official investigations and improvements in procedures. This article recounts the major emergency landings during this period using government statements and authoritative news reports.

2022: Medical emergency, policing missions and engine trouble

Police helicopter forced landing (February 2022)

In February 2022 a Bell 412 helicopter operated by the Indonesian National Police (Polri) encountered deteriorating weather while transporting the Jambi regional police chief and senior officers on a mission to inspect flood‑affected areas in Kerinci, Jambi. According to a police spokesperson, the pilot decided to set the helicopter down in a remote area after low visibility and strong winds made further flight unsafe. Search‑and‑rescue teams consisting of police, military and National Search and Rescue Agency personnel reached the site the following day and evacuated all eight occupants[1]. The police chief, who suffered a broken arm, praised the pilot’s judgement and thanked local villagers for assisting the rescue[1]. The incident underscored the challenges of operating rotary‑wing aircraft in mountainous terrain and led to renewed emphasis on weather awareness for police aviation crews.

Citilink Flight QG‑307 medical emergency (21 July 2022)

On 21 July 2022 Citilink flight QG‑307 departed Surabaya bound for Makassar with 171 passengers. About fifteen minutes after take‑off, the captain became incapacitated. Citilink’s president director later told the media that the first officer declared an emergency and requested a return to Juanda International Airport[2]. The Airbus A320 landed safely and passengers were transferred to another aircraft, but the captain died after being taken to a local hospital[2]. The incident, widely shared on social media, prompted the airline to review health monitoring procedures and emphasised the importance of crew resource management.

Lion Air Flight JT‑330 engine issue (26 October 2022)

Later in 2022, Lion Air Flight JT‑330 from Jakarta to Palembang reported engine trouble shortly after departure. Lion Air’s corporate communications officer said the Boeing 737‑800 climbed to about 3 000 ft when the pilot noticed a significant engine problem and decided to return to Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport[3]. The aircraft, carrying 169 passengers and crew, landed safely and passengers were directed back to the boarding gate[3]. Lion Air insisted the aircraft had been properly maintained prior to flight[4]. The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) opened an investigation and the airline grounded the aircraft for inspection.

2023: Helicopter emergencies and military training accident

Jambi police chief’s helicopter landing (19 February 2023)

In February 2023 another Bell 412 helicopter carrying the Jambi provincial police chief and his entourage encountered severe weather while flying over forested terrain. Fog and rain forced the pilot to conduct a precautionary landing on Tamia Hill in Kerinci district. A joint evacuation team of around 350 personnel used multiple helicopters and ground parties to locate the downed aircraft[1]. The National Police spokesperson said the main obstacles were poor visibility and sudden rain showers that hampered rescue efforts[1]. All eight occupants survived and were airlifted to safety[1]. Officials praised the pilot’s quick decision to prioritise safety and noted that the event illustrated the risks of flying in mountainous regions during the rainy season.

Indonesian Army Bell 412 training crash (28 May 2023)

On 28 May 2023 an Indonesian Army Bell 412 helicopter supporting pre‑assignment training for the 300/Brajawijaya Infantry Battalion crashed near Patenggang Village, Rancabali, Bandung. The aircraft, operated by the army’s aviation center, lost control and burned upon impact. The Indonesian Defence Forces commander announced that a fact‑finding team would investigate whether weather, technical problems or other factors caused the crash[5]. The Army Information Office reported that all five crew members survived with injuries and were evacuated to a hospital[6]. The incident prompted the army to review maintenance and training procedures for its fleet of Bell 412 helicopters.

2024: Engine fire on a pilgrimage flight

Garuda Indonesia flight GIA 1105 engine fire (15 May 2024)

During the 2024 Hajj season, Garuda Indonesia operated Boeing 747‑400 flights from Makassar to Medina. On 15 May 2024 flight GIA 1105 carrying 450 pilgrims and 18 crew members experienced an engine fire shortly after take‑off. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the right engine caught fire and the pilot decided to burn off fuel and return to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport[7]. The aircraft landed safely at 17:15 local time and all passengers were unharmed[8]. A ministry spokesperson expressed regret over the engine damage and called on the airline to uphold professionalism and avoid similar incidents in the future[9]. Garuda Indonesia apologised, evacuated pilgrims to a Hajj dormitory and dispatched another aircraft for the journey[10]. The preliminary investigation focused on engine maintenance and procedures during the high‑pressure Hajj season.

2025: Security threats, technical diversions and weather incidents

Saudia Flight 5276 bomb threat diversion (17 June 2025)

The most widely reported emergency in 2025 occurred on 17 June when Saudia Flight 5276, a Boeing 777 carrying 442 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah to Jakarta, received an emailed bomb threat. Indonesian air‑traffic controllers advised the crew to divert to Kualanamu International Airport near Medan. The aircraft landed at 10:44 local time, where emergency crews, police bomb disposal teams and military units assembled. According to the head of the Transport Ministry’s Medan airport authority, the joint team thoroughly searched passengers, baggage and cargo but found no explosives[11]. All passengers were evacuated to hotels[11] and the aircraft was cleared to resume its journey the next day[12]. The Transport Ministry praised the effective coordination between the airline, airport security, local government and law‑enforcement agencies[13].

Saudia Flight 5688 technical landing (21 June 2025)

Four days later another Saudia aircraft, flight SV5688 from Jeddah to Surabaya, made a precautionary technical landing at Kualanamu. PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi’s acting director of operations and service, Nugroho, explained that the Airbus A330 diverted at 9:27 a.m. due to a technical issue[14]. Emergency procedures were activated and passengers were processed according to regulations[15]. The earlier bomb‑threat incident was referenced as a reminder of the airport’s readiness to handle emergencies[16]. The aircraft carrying 376 passengers underwent checks and a technical team from Sri Lanka arrived to repair it. Airport operations continued normally[17].

Batik Air crosswind near‑miss (28 June 2025)

On 28 June 2025 a Batik Air Boeing 737‑800 (registration PK‑LDJ) encountered strong crosswinds while landing in heavy rain at Jakarta’s Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport. A corporate communications officer for Batik Air explained that a gust tipped the aircraft sideways, causing the right wing to almost touch the runway[18]. The crew regained control and landed safely, following standard procedures[19]. After a thorough inspection, engineers determined the aircraft sustained no damage and could return to service[20]. Videos of the dramatic landing circulated widely, prompting aviation authorities to remind airlines to monitor weather conditions and for pilots to consider diversions when crosswinds exceed safety limits.

Lion Air Flight JT‑308 bomb threat before departure (2 August 2025)

Another security‑related incident occurred on 2 August 2025 when Lion Air flight JT‑308 was preparing to depart Soekarno‑Hatta for Kualanamu. During pushback a passenger informed cabin crew that there was a bomb on board. Lion Air’s corporate communications officer said the crew immediately notified the captain and ground handling personnel[21]. In accordance with aviation security procedures the aircraft returned to the apron, the passenger was removed and handed over to authorities, and all passengers and baggage were screened[22]. No suspicious items were found and a replacement aircraft transported the passengers to their destination later that day[23]. Although the incident did not involve an airborne emergency landing, it highlighted the constant threat of bomb hoaxes and reinforced the importance of strict pre‑departure procedures.

Patterns and lessons learned

The emergency landings between 2022 and 2025 reveal recurrent themes. Medical emergencies, such as the incapacitation of Citilink’s captain, require swift action from co‑pilots and robust health monitoring of flight crew. Mechanical issues remain a concern: the Lion Air engine problem and Garuda Indonesia’s engine fire underscore the need for rigorous maintenance and contingency planning, especially during peak travel seasons. Weather‑related incidents — helicopter forced landings in Jambi and the Batik Air crosswind event — show that adverse weather can challenge pilots even with modern navigation aids. Security threats, including bomb hoaxes, necessitate careful coordination between airlines, airport authorities and law enforcement to protect passengers without causing unnecessary disruption.

Indonesia’s aviation authorities responded to each incident through investigations and procedural improvements. The National Transportation Safety Committee and military fact‑finding teams examined mechanical failures and accidents; the Ministry of Religious Affairs demanded higher service standards from Garuda Indonesia; and the Transport Ministry commended effective emergency responses to bomb threats[13]. These cases demonstrate that while emergency landings are rare relative to the volume of flights, they provide valuable lessons that enhance safety culture across the aviation sector.

Reference List

1. Antara News – Search and rescue operation following the emergency landing of the Jambi police chief’s helicopter[1].
2. Xinhua – Citilink president director’s statement on the QG‑307 emergency landing and captain’s death[2].
3. Tempo – Lion Air’s explanation of the JT‑330 engine issue at Soekarno‑Hatta Airport[3].
4. Antara News – Indonesian Defence Forces commander sets up fact‑finding team after the Army Bell 412 crash[5].
5. Antara News – Army Information Office report on crew survival in the May 2023 helicopter crash[6].
6. Tempo – Ministry of Religious Affairs response to the Garuda Indonesia Hajj flight’s engine fire[7].
7. Tempo – Details of the emergency landing of Garuda flight GIA 1105 and subsequent arrangements for pilgrims[10].
8. Antara News – Transport Ministry statement on the Saudia Flight 5276 bomb threat and search results[11].
9. Antara News – Transport Ministry praise for coordinated handling of the bomb threat[13].
10. Antara News – PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi official on the technical diversion of Saudia Flight 5688[14].
11. Antara News – Information about the previous bomb‑threat diversion and airport operations during the 21 June 2025 incident[24].
12. Antara News – Batik Air communications officer’s description of the crosswind near‑miss[18].
13. Antara News – Engineering inspection confirming no damage to the Batik Air aircraft[20].
14. Antara News – Lion Air statement regarding the bomb threat on flight JT‑308 and the Return to Apron procedure[25].
15. Antara News – Outcome of the JT‑308 incident and replacement aircraft[23].

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Aegean Joins Olympic Air, British Airways, and More Face Life-Threatening Emergency Landings Across Greece: New Reports Unveil

Greece’s skies are busy with domestic flights linking the islands with the mainland, international services connecting Europe to Asia and the Middle East, and a fleet of aerial‑firefighting aircraft that protect one of Europe’s most fire‑prone regions. Between January 2022 and December 2025, a number of aircraft confronted in‑flight emergencies that led to unscheduled landings on Greek soil or involved Greek operators abroad. Each episode drew prompt responses from pilots, airport authorities and airlines and was later confirmed through official statements. This article chronicles those emergency landings chronologically, relying on verified announcements without speculating on unconfirmed reports.

July 2022 – cargo plane crash near Kavala

On 16 July 2022, a Ukrainian Antonov An‑12 cargo aircraft carrying munitions from Serbia to Bangladesh experienced engine trouble over northern Greece. The pilot requested an emergency landing at Kavala, and air‑traffic controllers cleared the aircraft to attempt an approach. Before it could reach the airport, radio contact was lost and the aircraft crashed near the village of Antifilippi. All eight crew members perished. Authorities later confirmed that the pilot had reported an engine problem and that permission for an emergency landing had been granted[1]. The crash highlighted risks faced by cargo crews ferrying dangerous goods and prompted investigations by Greek and Ukrainian officials.

August 2022 – Jet2 flight to Antalya

Roughly a month later, on 23 August 2022, a Jet2 flight (LS 1239) from Birmingham to Antalya was over the northern Aegean when the captain became unwell and lost consciousness. Following standard procedure, the first officer declared an emergency and diverted the Boeing 737‑800 to Thessaloniki’s Makedonia Airport. A replacement crew was flown to Greece to continue the journey and passengers were provided with refreshments and accommodations. In an official statement the airline explained that the diversion was precautionary, that the captain was attended to by medical personnel, and that customers were “well looked after”[2].

November 2022 – Emirates flights disrupted by terror alert

On 10 November 2022, security services in the United States relayed intelligence suggesting a possible terror threat against international flights. Greek authorities acted immediately, intercepting two Emirates services: a Dubai–New York flight already en route over the Atlantic and a Paris‑bound flight still on the ground in Athens. The New York‑bound aircraft was diverted to Athens, escorted by fighter jets, and landed safely for a search. The Paris flight remained grounded. After passengers and baggage were screened, a police spokesperson reported that no suspect or suspicious item was found on either aircraft and that the alert had not been confirmed[3]. Although the threat proved unfounded, the episode demonstrated the readiness of Greek authorities to respond to international security alerts.

July 2023 – Aegean flight A3 560 to Barcelona

On 3 July 2023 an Airbus A320 operated by Aegean Airlines on flight A3 560 from Thessaloniki to Barcelona experienced a loss of cabin pressure over the Tyrrhenian Sea. According to the airline’s official communication, the flight crew observed a gradual decompression and, in line with emergency checklists, requested a diversion to the nearest suitable airport. Air‑traffic control directed the aircraft to Naples, where it landed safely. All 156 passengers and six crew members disembarked without injury, and the airline dispatched another aircraft to continue the journey[4]. The incident underscored the importance of aircraft pressurisation monitoring and the professionalism of the flight crew.

February 2024 – El Al flight from Prague

In February 2024, an El Al flight from Prague to Tel Aviv (LY 2522) encountered a violent passenger who attempted to enter the cockpit. The crew and onboard security subdued the individual, and the captain diverted the Boeing 737 to Thessaloniki, where Greek police boarded the aircraft and removed the suspect. In a formal statement, the airline said it maintained a zero‑tolerance policy for violence, praised the crew for prioritising safety and noted that the disruptive passenger was handed over to local authorities for investigation[5]. After the security check, the aircraft continued to Israel.

July 2024 – London–Chania flight hydraulic issue

On 20 July 2024, an aircraft with 233 people aboard departed London for Chania, Crete. Shortly before reaching cruising altitude, the crew reported problems with the hydraulic system and declared an emergency. The flight returned to Athens International Airport. Greek authorities later confirmed that all passengers and crew were unharmed and clarified that the technical problem was unrelated to a global IT outage affecting airports the same day[6]. The precautionary diversion resulted in minor delays but no injuries.

November 2024 – British Airways flight BA9250

A few months later, on 24 November 2024, a British Airways Airbus A320neo operating flight BA9250 from Athens to London encountered a suspected pressurisation issue about thirty minutes into the journey. The pilots declared an emergency (squawk 7700) and returned to Athens. After landing, engineers examined the aircraft. In an official release, the airline thanked its crew for handling the situation professionally, expressed appreciation for passengers’ cooperation and arranged accommodation and rebooking for travellers whose plans were disrupted[7]. The statement noted that safety remained the company’s foremost priority.

February 2025 – EasyJet diversion to Athens

On 9 February 2025 an EasyJet flight from Hurghada, Egypt, to Manchester experienced a medical emergency when the captain became ill. The first officer assumed command and diverted the Airbus A320 to Athens. The aircraft landed safely, and the incapacitated captain received medical attention. The airline’s statement explained that the diversion was necessary because the pilot required immediate care and noted that passengers were provided with hotel accommodation, meals and a subsequent flight to Manchester[8]. EasyJet apologised for the delay but emphasised that the crew followed established protocols to ensure everyone’s safety.

April 2025 – Olympic Air flight OA 250 to Mytilene

On 1 April 2025, a domestic Olympic Air flight (OA 250) from Athens to Mytilene triggered an engine‑fire warning after landing. The captain stopped the ATR‑42 on the taxiway, alerted airport authorities and ordered an immediate evacuation. According to the company’s official announcement, all 59 passengers and four crew members disembarked safely, no actual fire was found and the aircraft later taxied under its own power[9]. The airline sent a replacement aircraft to operate the return flight and emphasised that safety procedures were correctly followed.

June 2025 – Olympic Air flight OA 017 from Naxos

A few weeks later, on 9 June 2025, another Olympic Air turboprop (flight OA 017 from Naxos to Athens) experienced an engine‑fire alert shortly after take‑off. Following checklist procedures, the captain returned to Naxos and initiated an evacuation. In its official statement the parent airline explained that the alert was later determined to be false, but that the pilot’s decision to land and evacuate was consistent with safety protocols[10]. Engineers inspected the aircraft, and a replacement plane transported passengers to Athens.

July 2025 – Canadair CL‑215 water landing

Not all emergency landings involved commercial flights. On 25 July 2025, a Canadair CL‑215 firefighting aircraft operating from the 355th Tactical Transport Squadron encountered a mechanical failure while scooping water near Vrachati in the Corinthian Gulf. The twin‑engine amphibious plane could not sustain flight on one engine and performed a controlled landing on the sea. A formal statement from the Hellenic Air Force reported that the crew followed protocol by shutting down the engines and waiting for assistance; the aircraft was later towed to the port of Kiato for inspection, and a specialist team was assigned to investigate the malfunction[11]. Both pilots were unharmed and lauded for their professionalism during the water landing.

Conclusion

The series of emergency landings experienced by flights connected with Greece between 2022 and 2025 underscores the complexity of modern aviation and the importance of preparedness. Mechanical issues such as pressurisation or hydraulic problems, medical emergencies, engine warnings and even unruly passengers can prompt a diversion or unscheduled landing. In each case described here, official statements reveal a consistent theme: pilots followed established procedures, cabin crews ensured calm, airport authorities mobilised emergency services, and airlines provided support to passengers. The responsive coordination among flight crews, air‑traffic control and ground personnel ensured that no injuries occurred during these incidents. Even in the tragic cargo‑plane crash near Kavala, the pilot’s attempt to obtain permission for an emergency landing and the subsequent investigation illustrate transparency and adherence to safety protocols[1]. As Greece continues to serve as a hub for tourism, trade and firefighting operations, these episodes highlight both the inherent risks of aviation and the effectiveness of coordinated emergency responses.

References

1. Official reports on the 2022 cargo plane crash near Kavala, quoting authorities about the pilot’s request for an emergency landing and the loss of contact[1].
2. Jet2 spokesperson’s statement after the August 2022 diversion to Thessaloniki[2].
3. Greek police announcement following the Emirates flights search on 10 November 2022[3].
4. Aegean Airlines’ announcement after flight A3 560’s decompression and diversion to Naples on 3 July 2023[4].
5. El Al’s statement regarding the diversion of flight LY 2522 to Thessaloniki in February 2024[5].
6. Greek authorities’ confirmation of a hydraulic problem on a London–Chania flight on 20 July 2024[6].
7. British Airways’ official communication following flight BA9250’s return to Athens on 24 November 2024[7].
8. EasyJet’s announcement about the diversion of its Hurghada–Manchester flight to Athens on 9 February 2025[8].
9. Olympic Air’s official statement after the engine‑fire indication on flight OA 250 at Mytilene on 1 April 2025[9].
10. Aegean’s communication about flight OA 017’s engine‑fire alert and return to Naxos on 9 June 2025[10].
11. Hellenic Air Force statement on the Canadair CL‑215’s emergency water landing on 25 July 2025[11].
12. Additional context from Greek authorities’ confirmation that passengers were uninjured after the Athens diversion linked to a hydraulic issue[6] (included again for completeness).

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