All passengers aboard the plane were evacuated after the plane, carrying 442 hajj pilgrims from Jeddah to Jakarta, landed mid-morning in North Sumatra province due to the emailed threat, Indonesia s transport ministry said.

Police were searching through luggage after checking the aircraft, said North Sumatra police chief Whisnu Hermawan.

Read more: Indian plane crash: Over 240 aboard, Ex-CM Vijay Rupani reportedly among passenger

Saudia, which is Saudi Arabia s flagship carrier, said alternative onward travel arrangements were being made.