Biman Introduces Tk 20,500 Dhaka–Jeddah Flights During Hajj Season

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has introduced a low-cost travel option during the upcoming Hajj season, offering one-way flights from Dhaka to Jeddah and Madinah at fares starting from approximately Tk 20,500.

The initiative aims to make use of otherwise empty seats on flights transporting Hajj pilgrims between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. Traditionally, many of these flights operate with vacant seats either on outbound or return journeys, leading to underutilized capacity.

Under the new plan, the airline will allow general passengers and expatriates to travel on these scheduled flights alongside Hajj operations. Officials confirmed that ticket sales at reduced prices have already begun.

According to Biman’s General Manager Bosra Islam, the airline has received approval to carry commercial passengers on certain flights in addition to dedicated Hajj services. She noted that while the fares have been kept low to ensure passenger convenience, the move is expected to generate additional income for the airline.

Industry experts have welcomed the decision, calling it a practical step toward maximizing aircraft utilization. Aviation analyst Nafiz Imtiaz Uddin said the approach would allow aircraft to be quickly redeployed for commercial use after transporting pilgrims, potentially increasing both passenger and cargo capacity.

In previous years, strict regulations from Saudi authorities limited the ability to carry non-pilgrim passengers on Hajj flights. However, partial relaxation of those restrictions this season has enabled the airline to introduce the discounted travel option.

Officials estimate that the initiative could generate at least Tk 100 crore in additional revenue while also improving service accessibility for travelers.