Over 43,000 pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj, 7 dies

A total of 43,019 pilgrims from the country have so far arrived in Saudi Arabia on 108 Hajj flights, according to the latest official bulletin released on Sunday (May 3).

Data compiled from airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Hajj Office and Saudi authorities confirmed the figures.

The bulletin reported that seven pilgrims have died of natural causes to date—five in Mecca and two in Medina.

Healthcare services have been provided to thousands of pilgrims, with the Saudi medical team treating 9,175 individuals directly, while 9,730 others received assistance through IT-based health support services.

This year, Bangladesh has a Hajj quota of 78,500 pilgrims, managed by 660 agencies, including 30 lead agencies and 630 coordinating agencies.

Airline-wise data shows that Biman Bangladesh Airlines transported 20,483 pilgrims on 50 flights, Saudia carried 14,646 pilgrims on 39 flights, and Flynas transported 7,890 pilgrims on 19 flights.

The first Hajj flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 17 carrying 419 pilgrims to King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Of the total pilgrims, 4,565 are travelling under government management, while 73,935 are under private arrangements. The Saudi Embassy in Dhaka has issued all 78,500 visas for this year’s Hajj.

Subject to moon sighting, the annual Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, with return flights scheduled to begin from May 30 and conclude on June 30.