The inaugural Hajj flight from Bangladesh has landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, carrying a total of 419 pilgrims. The flight was operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and marks the beginning of this year’s official Hajj air transport arrangements from Bangladesh.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the pilgrims were transported on the first scheduled flight under the national Hajj programme. The ministry confirmed that 419 passengers were on board the inaugural service.
Upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the Bangladeshi pilgrims were formally received by senior representatives of Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission. The reception was led by Md Delwar Hossain, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia, alongside Md Kamrul Islam, Counsellor (Hajj).
As part of the arrival arrangements, pilgrims were welcomed with flowers and provided with refreshment kits. These measures were undertaken in line with standard reception procedures coordinated by the relevant authorities, as stated in the official notification from the ministry.
A number of officials were present at the airport to oversee and assist with the arrival process. Among them were Md Sakhawat Hossain, Consul General at the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah; Md Ruhul Amin, Assistant Seasonal Hajj Officer; Ihaia Radi, Head of Operations at the Jeddah Hajj Terminal; and Raed Bakshaun, Manager of Nusuk Marhaba, a Saudi service organisation involved in pilgrim facilitation.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs noted that coordinated logistical arrangements had been put in place at the Hajj terminal to ensure the smooth handling of arriving pilgrims. The presence of diplomatic, consular, and operational personnel formed part of the structured support system designed for Hajj arrivals.
The first Hajj flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Friday night at approximately 11:30 pm. The inaugural flight was officially launched at the airport by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, marking the formal commencement of Bangladesh’s Hajj flight operations for the current season.
Key Flight Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines |
| Total pilgrims | 419 |
| Departure airport | Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka |
| Departure time | Friday, approximately 11:30 pm |
| Arrival airport | King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah |
| Receiving officials | Ambassador, consular officials, and Hajj coordination teams |
The Ministry of Religious Affairs further indicated that subsequent Hajj flights will operate in phases in accordance with the official schedule to transport additional pilgrims from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia.