Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will officially inaugurate the Hajj flights at 11:35 PM on Friday (today) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The first flight this year is scheduled to depart around 12:30 AM tonight, carrying 419 passengers from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
On this occasion, final preparations are underway at the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the capital.
According to Md. Abubakar Siddique, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 14 flights will depart today. Of these, 6 are operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 3 by Saudia, and 3 by Flynas Airlines.
He also stated that a total of 78,500 pilgrims will perform Hajj this year. Among them, 4,565 will travel under government arrangements, while 73,935 will go through Hajj agencies.
It has been reported that a 171-member medical team has already arrived in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, according to the Hajj agreement signed with Saudi Arabia, 50% of the pilgrims will be transported by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Of the remaining 50%, Saudia will carry 35% and Flynas will transport 15% of the pilgrims.
Pre-Hajj flights will continue until May 21. A total of 207 pre-Hajj flights will be operated, 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 take place on May 26. Return flights will begin on May 30 after the completion of Hajj rituals and will continue until July 1.