In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at easing travel for expatriate Bangladeshis, the caretaker government has announced significantly reduced fares on one-way flights between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. The minimum fare has been set at just BDT 20,500, a move expected to make journeys home more accessible, cost-effective, and convenient for overseas workers and their families. The announcement was made on Friday by the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser’s office.
Sheikh Bashiruddin, Adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, explained that under this special scheme, a total of 80,000 tickets will be available across routes connecting Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. He noted that this initiative will benefit expatriate workers while simultaneously generating substantial revenue for the state-owned carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
“During the Hajj season, flights are often primarily used for one-way passengers, and return flights frequently operate with empty seats,” Sheikh Bashiruddin said. “By utilising these vacant seats efficiently, we have the potential to generate over BDT 10 billion in additional revenue—the first time in the airline’s history that such income is projected from this segment alone.”
The special fares for expatriates have been structured as follows:
| Route | One-Way Fare (BDT) | Return Fare (BDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Madinah–Dhaka | 20,500 | 42,000 |
| Jeddah–Dhaka | 20,500 | 42,000 |
The fares will be available in two phases:
Inbound to Bangladesh: 18 April – 25 May 2026
Return to Saudi Arabia: 30 May – 30 June 2026
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus lauded the initiative as a milestone in implementing expatriate-friendly policies. He commended Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin for taking timely and practical steps to facilitate overseas workers.
“Policies like this will not only make life easier for our expatriates but also positively impact the national economy,” Professor Yunus said. However, he also issued a note of caution, recalling past initiatives that faltered due to lack of proper oversight. “It is crucial that this programme is implemented fully and effectively to ensure it achieves its intended benefits.”
Beyond reducing fares, the initiative is expected to directly contribute to Bangladesh’s economy by increasing ticket sales, utilising existing flight capacity efficiently, and enhancing the financial sustainability of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.