PM to inaugurate Hajj flight today, first flight April 18

Bangladesh will begin its Hajj flight operations for 2026 on Saturday (April 18), with the first flight carrying 419 pilgrims scheduled to depart Dhaka for Jeddah at 12:20am.

The inaugural flight will be formally inaugurated on April 17 at 11:35pm, according to officials.

Sources related to the Hajj management said a total of 14 flights will operate on the first day, carrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

A total of 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj this year. State-run Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Airlines and Flynas will operate the flights.

According to the schedule, the final outbound Hajj flight from Dhaka is set to depart on May 21. The Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, subject to moon sighting.

Return flights carrying pilgrims are scheduled to begin on May 30 and continue until July 1.

Authorities have said all preparations have been completed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka to ensure smooth operations. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and concerned airlines are coordinating efforts to facilitate hassle-free travel for all pilgrims, including those on the inaugural flight.