Two Hajj packages likely for 2027, airfare cut may not lower overall cost

The government is set to introduce two Hajj packages for 2027, but officials say a reduction in airfare is unlikely to significantly lower the overall cost due to higher service charges imposed by Saudi Arabia and the depreciation of the Bangladeshi taka against the Saudi riyal.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs is expected to announce the packages on July 19 or 20 after finalising Hajj airfares. An earlier plan to announce the packages this week was postponed as discussions over ticket prices continue.

Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said the ministry is waiting for the final airfare proposal before announcing the packages.

“We hope to finalise the airfare by Sunday. Any further delay will reduce the preparation time for all concerned,” he said.

Officials said the government will discontinue this year’s highest-priced package, leaving two packages under government management. Private Hajj agencies will announce their packages in line with the government rates.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has proposed reducing the airfare from this year’s Tk154,830 to around Tk142,000, while further reviews are underway. Meanwhile, US-Bangla Airlines has offered to transport Hajj pilgrims for Tk98,000 per person, a proposal now under government consideration.

Despite the expected reduction in airfare, officials said overall Hajj expenses are rising because Saudi Arabia will introduce a new integrated service system from next year. Affordable Category-D services will be discontinued, while accommodation, catering and other services will be provided under new mandatory packages.

Pilgrims will also be required to use catering services arranged by Saudi authorities, adding an estimated Tk40,000 to the cost of each package. In addition, higher accommodation requirements and the stronger Saudi riyal are expected to increase overall expenses.

Al Azad said most Hajj costs are determined by Saudi Arabia.

“If five taka is spent, about four taka goes to Saudi Arabia and only one taka is spent in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that even a small increase in the exchange rate significantly raises the total cost.

Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumdar urged the government to set airfares at a reasonable level, saying most of the cost increases originate from the Saudi side.

Bangladesh has a Hajj quota of 127,198 pilgrims. Most Bangladeshis perform Hajj through private agencies. In 2026, around 78,500 Bangladeshis performed Hajj, including 4,565 under government management and 73,935 through private agencies.

SKS