US-Bangla offers Tk98,000 airfare for 2027 Hajj pilgrims

US-Bangla Airlines has proposed operating Hajj flights for the 2027 pilgrimage season at a net airfare of Tk98,000 per pilgrim, a move the government believes could help lower the overall cost of performing Hajj.

The private carrier submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday expressing its willingness to operate Hajj flights for the 2027 season, subject to government approval.

The proposed airfare is significantly lower than the Tk154,830 charged per pilgrim during the 2026 Hajj season, when airfare accounted for a substantial portion of the overall Hajj package cost.

Confirming receipt of the proposal, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said the offer has strengthened the government's position in negotiations aimed at reducing Hajj airfares.

"This proposal has become a plus point for us in discussions on lowering Hajj airfare. We will discuss the matter," he said.

According to ministry sources, US-Bangla informed the government that it is prepared to operate Hajj flights at a net fare of Tk98,000 per pilgrim while complying with all applicable operational requirements, enabling Bangladeshi pilgrims to perform Hajj at a lower cost.

Azad said the government remains committed to reducing the cost of Hajj and welcomed greater competition in Hajj airfares.

“We also want people to be able to perform Hajj at a lower cost. This proposal has become a positive factor for us in negotiations. The current government remains committed to reducing the cost of Hajj, and we are continuing our efforts to achieve that goal. Competition in Hajj airfares is a positive development," he said.

At present, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia and private Saudi airline flynas operate Hajj flights from Bangladesh during the annual pilgrimage season.

Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder said the association has consistently advocated for lower Hajj airfares and would discuss the proposal.

Officials from the Ministries of Religious Affairs and Civil Aviation and Tourism, along with representatives of other Hajj-related agencies, were scheduled to meet at the Secretariat on Tuesday to finalise the 2027 Hajj package.

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