US-Bangla offers to fly Hajj pilgrims at Tk 98,000 each

The private aviation giant US-Bangla Airlines is willing to operate Hajj flights at a net fare of Tk 98,000 (without taxes, charges, and agency commission) per passenger, complying with all government requirements, to enable low-income Bangladeshi Muslims to perform Hajj at a lower cost.

The airfare for the 2026 Hajj season was Tk 1,54,830 per passenger, making air travel one of the largest components of the overall Hajj package.

To this end, the air carrier submitted a letter, signed by US-Bangla Managing Director Abdullah Al Mamun, to the religious affairs secretary today (14 July) expressing its interest in operating Hajj flights in 2027, subject to government approval, US-Bangla spokesperson Kamrul Islam confirmed to The Business Standard.

Sector insiders said that the airline’s offer would strengthen the government’s bargaining position in negotiations aimed at reducing Hajj airfares.

At present, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Arabias national carrier Saudia, and private Saudi airline Flynas operate Hajj flights from Bangladesh each year.

Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and other Hajj-related agencies are scheduled to meet at the Secretariat today to finalise the 2027 Hajj package.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad is expected to announce the 2027 Hajj package this afternoon following the meeting.