Airfare dispute with Biman delays Hajj package announcement

 
The government is working to reduce the cost of Hajj for 2027, but a dispute over airfare with Biman Bangladesh Airline has delayed the announcement of the official Hajj packages.

Compared with countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, the cost of performing Hajj from Bangladesh remains significantly higher, making the pilgrimage increasingly difficult for many aspiring pilgrims. The government has been exploring ways to lower overall expenses, with airfare emerging as the biggest obstacle. 

COST OF HAJJ FOR 2027
*    Biman, Saudi Airlines, Flynas propose Tk142,000 
*    HAAB urges govt to bring airfare below Tk100,000
*    US-Bangla offers Tk 98,000

State-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and Flynas initially proposed a Hajj airfare of around Tk142,000 per pilgrim�"approximately Tk13,000 lower than last year's fare. Following discussions with the government, the airlines agreed to reduce the fare further to Tk135,000.

However, privately owned US-Bangla Airlines has submitted a proposal to transport Hajj pilgrims for just Tk98,000 per passenger, creating uncertainty over the final airfare. The proposal, recently submitted to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, has complicated the government's decision-making process.

As a result, the government was unable to announce the 2027 Hajj packages on July 14 as previously scheduled. Several planned press briefings by the Ministry of Religious Affairs have also been postponed due to the unresolved airfare issue.

According to ministry sources, determining the airfare is essential before the overall Hajj package cost can be finalized.

Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said reducing airfare is the single most important factor in lowering Hajj expenses. Airfare is still too high. The airlines initially sought around Tk142,000, and after our request they agreed to reduce it to Tk135,000. But until the fare is finalized, we cannot announce Hajj package because pilgrims need to know the total cost before making preparations, he said.

As part of broader cost-cutting efforts, the government has decided to shorten the Hajj package duration from 42 days to a maximum of 35 days. Officials believe the shorter stay will substantially reduce accommodation, food, and other related expenses in Saudi Arabia. Authorities are also reviewing housing costs, meal expenses, value-added tax (VAT), and other charges.

We are limiting the package to 35 days. This alone will save five to seven days' worth of accommodation and other expenses, the secretary added.

The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), which represents private Hajj operators, has also urged the government to bring airfare below Tk100,000, arguing that excessive airfares remain the primary reason behind the high cost of Hajj.

HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder said the association has formally objected to what it considers an unreasonable airfare proposal and has asked the airlines to submit a revised offer. We have given the airlines time to come back with a more reasonable proposal. Until they do, reaching a consensus will be difficult. If airfare is reduced, the overall cost for pilgrims will also decline significantly, he said.

Currently, a round-trip airfare between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia for regular passengers is around Tk90,000, while the airfare charged for Hajj pilgrims during the 2026 season was approximately Tk154,830.

Industry insiders believe that if the government approves US-Bangla Airlines' proposal to carry pilgrims for Tk98,000 during the 2027 Hajj season, the overall cost of performing Hajj from Bangladesh could be reduced substantially, making the pilgrimage more affordable for thousands of prospective pilgrims.