Govt lowers hajj airfare by Tk 24,000

The government is set to announce the hajj packages for 2027 on Tuesday, with airfare for pilgrims reduced by Tk 24,000 compared to this year’s fare.

Religious Affairs Adviser Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) will unveil the packages at a press conference at the Secretariat at 11:00am, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Two Hajj packages will be offered under government management, while details of the package for privately managed pilgrims will also be announced.

According to officials, the airfare has been reduced from Tk154,830 this year to Tk130,000 for the upcoming Hajj.

Under the proposed government packages, Package-1 is estimated to cost Tk690,597, while Package-2 is expected to cost Tk558,881. Officials said the previous Package-3 will no longer be offered under government management.

For privately managed pilgrims, the estimated costs are Tk750,000 for the special package, Tk550,000 for the general package and Tk510,000 for the affordable package.

Officials said the overall cost of Hajj is unlikely to fall despite the lower airfare, citing higher expenses due to mandatory backup accommodation, the discontinuation of lower-cost service categories, the depreciation of the taka against the Saudi riyal and compulsory catering services arranged by Saudi authorities.

The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAB) is expected to announce its package for privately managed pilgrims on Wednesday.