Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate this year’s Hajj flight operations tonight, marking the official start of Bangladesh’s annual pilgrimage season. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism confirmed that the inauguration will take place at 11:30pm on Friday.
Authorities say all preparations have been completed, including expanded flight schedules and reduced airfares to ease travel for pilgrims. Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest Hajj‑sending nations, is expected to send around 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Of them, 4,565 will travel under government management, while 73,935 will go through private agencies.
Roughly half of all pilgrims will fly with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with the rest travelling on Saudia and Flynas.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the first Hajj flight will depart at 12:20am on 18 April, carrying 419 pilgrims from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport. A total of 14 flights are scheduled for the opening day six by Biman, three by Saudia and three by Flynas.
Pre‑Hajj flights will continue until 21 May, with 207 flights planned in total: 102 by Biman, 75 by Saudia and 30 by Flynas. Subject to moon sighting, the holy Hajj is expected to take place on 26 May 2026.
Return flights will begin on 30 May and continue until 1 July, bringing pilgrims home after completing their rituals.
+ There are no comments
Add yours