PM to inaugurate hajj flights tomorrow

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate this year’s hajj flights tomorrow night.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism said the prime minister will formally open the hajj flight operations at 11:30pm.

The flights will begin as authorities have announced completion of all preparations, including expanded flight schedules and reduced airfares, said a statement from the ministry.

Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest hajj pilgrim-sending countries, is expected to send a total of 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year.

Of them, 4,565 pilgrims will perform hajj under government management, while 73,935 will travel through private agencies.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the inaugural hajj flight from Bangladesh will depart at 12:20am on April 18, carrying 419 pilgrims from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

A total of 14 flights are scheduled for that day, including six operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudi Arabia’s Saudia, and four by Flynas.

Pre-hajj flights will end on May 21. A total of 207 pre-hajj flights are scheduled, including 102 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 30 by Flynas.

Subject to the sighting of the moon, the holy hajj is expected to be held on May 26, 2026.

Return flights will begin on May 30 after the completion of hajj rituals and will continue until July 1.