US-Bangla offers Tk 98,000 Hajj airfare proposal to reduce 2027 pilgrimage costs

US-Bangla Airlines has proposed operating Hajj flights for the 2027 pilgrimage season at a net airfare of Tk98,000 per passenger, substantially lower than the Tk154,830 charged during the 2026 Hajj season.

The private airline has formally submitted its proposal to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, expressing its interest in transporting Bangladeshi pilgrims next year, subject to approval from the governments of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

Airfare remains one of the largest components of the overall Hajj package, making the proposal a significant development in the government's efforts to reduce pilgrimage costs.

Currently, Hajj flights from Bangladesh are operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), and Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas. US-Bangla aims to join the operation as an additional carrier. However, the existing bilateral arrangement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia does not permit another airline to operate Hajj flights.

Confirming receipt of the proposal on Tuesday, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said the offer would strengthen the government's position in negotiations over Hajj airfares.

"This has become a positive factor in our negotiations on airfare. We will discuss the proposal at our meeting," he said.

The proposal has also affected the timeline for announcing the 2027 Hajj packages. The Ministry of Religious Affairs postponed the announcement three times over the past two days, and the declaration now remains uncertain after Biman Bangladesh Airlines proposed an airfare of Tk142,000 per pilgrim.

According to ministry sources, US-Bangla said in its letter that it is prepared to operate Hajj flights at the proposed net fare of Tk98,000 while meeting all operational requirements, with the objective of making Hajj more affordable for Bangladeshi Muslims.

A high-level meeting involving officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and other Hajj-related agencies was scheduled for Tuesday to finalise the 2027 Hajj package.

The secretary said US-Bangla had informed the ministry that, if allowed to participate, it would obtain all necessary approvals from the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation.

"We also want people to perform Hajj at the lowest possible cost. Competition in Hajj airfares is a positive development, and the government remains committed to reducing the overall cost of Hajj," he added.