Biman completes Hajj operations
The national flag carrier served more than 73,000 pilgrims during Hajj 2026
ATT Correspondent 
National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has successfully concluded its Hajj operations for 2026, transporting more than 73,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia while maintaining regular commercial services throughout the pilgrimage season.
According to a press release issued by the airline on Wednesday, the operation was carried out under the overall guidance of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, with priority given to ensuring smooth flight operations and improved passenger services.
The ministry said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had directed all relevant authorities to prioritise the safe and efficient operation of Hajj flights, while Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat closely monitored the programme and instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted services for pilgrims.
Ahead of the Hajj season, the minister and state minister visited Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the Hajj Camp to review preparations and direct officials to strengthen passenger services, security, cleanliness and operational efficiency.
Between April 18 and May 21, Biman operated 98 pre-Hajj flights, carrying 38,680 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. During the same period, the airline also provided ground handling and passenger services for 76,197 pilgrims travelling on Saudia and Flynas flights at Dhaka airport.
The return phase of the operation ran from May 30 to July 1, during which Biman operated 104 post-Hajj flights, bringing back 32,256 pilgrims. A further 2,208 pilgrims returned on 12 scheduled commercial flights, taking the total number of returning pilgrims to 34,464.
The airline said arriving pilgrims were welcomed with flowers and bottles of Zamzam water as part of the post-Hajj reception programme.
To improve the travel experience, Biman distributed Hajj Care Packs among pilgrims and introduced a range of digital and passenger-friendly services, including the Makkah Route Initiative, the Labbayk mobile application, smart baggage tracking, Hajj prepaid cards, 24-hour medical assistance and a dedicated Hajj Management Centre.
Despite the large-scale pilgrimage operation, Biman said it successfully maintained its regular domestic and international flight schedules without any major cancellations or significant disruptions.
The airline operated the Hajj programme using 36 dedicated charter flights and 168 scheduled commercial flights, while also transporting more than 1,300 tonnes of additional cargo and around 23,500 regular passengers during the pilgrimage season.
Biman attributed the successful completion of the operation to the coordinated efforts of more than 1,000 employees, saying long-standing challenges typically associated with the Hajj season, including lengthy flight delays and baggage congestion, were largely avoided this year.
The airline expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), law enforcement agencies and other government bodies and stakeholders for their support.
Biman said it remains committed to providing safer, more punctual and internationally competitive services for future Hajj operations.
