Kamrul Hasan: The official inauguration of Hajj Flight-2026 was held as part of maintaining continuity and discipline in Hajj management according to the roadmap announced by the Saudi government.

On Friday at around 12:15 am (April 18). Prime Minister Tarique Rahman MP announced the start of the program by attending the inauguration ceremony organized at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as the chief guest.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita MP, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat MP and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh H.E Dr Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya along with senior officials of the Prime Minister`s Office and the concerned departments were present at the event.

Prayers and best wishes for Hajj pilgrims
In her opening speech, the Prime Minister said that it is a special blessing of Allah to have the opportunity to meet the religious people of the country on the eve of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Prime Minister wished the pilgrims a safe and successful Hajj and urged them to pray for the peace, prosperity and welfare of the country. She also prayed for the successful implementation of the government`s ongoing development and public service initiatives.

At the end of the ceremony, the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with the pilgrims present and expressed the hope that their journey would be smooth and safe.

According to the organizing source, during this Hajj season, pilgrims will be transported through regular commercial flights without any chartered flights as per the management policy of the Saudi government. A total of 207 flights will be operated by three airlines - Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia and Flynas.

This time, about 78,500 pilgrims will travel from Bangladesh to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The average cost per ticket has been reduced by about 12,000 taka compared to last year, which is seen as a positive development in Hajj management, said the concerned officials.

On the inaugural day, the first Hajj flight took off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with 419 passengers for Saudi Arabia at 12:20 am. A total of 14 flights were operated that day, including 6 flights from Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 3 from Saudia, and 3 from Flynas.

According to analysts, the involvement of multiple international airlines in Hajj flight management and the reduction of dependence on chartered flights indicate a structural change. On the one hand, this has increased competition, and on the other hand, it has been possible to reduce the financial pressure on passengers by reducing ticket costs.

However, the relevant observers consider it important to maintain timely flight coordination, passenger service quality, and ground handling management efficiency in Saudi Arabia as challenges.