Tighter inspection at airport to ensure smooth Hajj operations
Ministers review airport readiness and call for safe, smooth and well-coordinated Hajj flight operations ahead of inaugural departure
ATT Correspondent 
Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanom Rita and State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat conducted a late-night on-site inspection at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:30 pm on Thursday to review preparations for Hajj Flight 2026.
The visit was carried out ahead of the official inauguration of this year’s Hajj operations to ensure smooth, safe and well-managed pilgrimage services for outgoing Hajj passengers, according to a press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
During the inspection, concerned officials presented a detailed briefing to the minister and state minister on flight operations, passenger services and overall management preparations for Hajj travel.
Minister Afroza Khanom emphasised that all concerned authorities must extend sincere effort and responsibility to ensure seamless services for Hajj pilgrims. She also stressed maintaining proper management and cleanliness at the Hajj camp and related facilities.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat stated that facilitating a smooth, safe and orderly Hajj journey is a sacred responsibility of the government. He instructed all relevant officials to maintain the highest level of professionalism and vigilance in managing pilgrims.
The inspection was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Fahmida Akhtar, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Air Vice Marshal Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, along with senior officials from the ministry and CAAB.
According to officials, the inaugural Hajj flight from Bangladesh this year will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:20 AM on Friday night, carrying 419 pilgrims bound for Saudi Arabia.
