Biman set to start hajj flights

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has taken all-out preparation to make this year’s hajj flights operation, starting from July 24, smooth and safe for the pilgrims, reports BSS.

The first Biman Bangladesh airlines hajj flight will take off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) with 419 pilgrims at 7:55 am on July 24 and reach Jeddah at 11:30 am local time, a Biman press release said here today.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon and Religious Affairs Minister Principal Motiur Rahman will inaugurate the first hajj flight at HSIA.

Some 1,27,198 pilgrims from Bangladesh are set to perform this year’s hajj. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 63,599, the half of the total hajj pilgrims, and the rest will be carried by Saudi Airlines, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia.

The Biman’s post-hajj flight will start on September 6 and end on October 5.

The national flag carrier will operate 177 pre-hajj flights, 144 dedicated and 33 scheduled flights and 169 post-Hajj flights, 139 dedicated and 30 scheduled flights.

The air fare of hajj flights with return was fixed at US Dollar 1,525 with all taxes for each pilgrim.

Some 4,200 pilgrims would perform hajj this year under the government management.