Three airlines get quotas for 2027 Hajj pilgrims

The government has allocated quotas to three airlines to carry Hajj pilgrims next year. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50 percent, Saudi Arabian Airlines 35 percent and Flynas 15 percent of the pilgrims.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs sent letters to the airlines on Tuesday (September 15).

The letters said the 2027 Hajj agreement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will be signed from November 6 to 11. The final number of Bangladeshi pilgrims will be known after the agreement.

Under the conditions, 80 percent of pilgrims must travel through Jeddah airport and 20 percent through Madinah airport.

The airlines must carry pilgrims on dedicated flights at the fares set in the government Hajj package. They cannot charge extra for business-class seats.

Airlines must issue tickets within two days of receiving payment from agencies and upload ticket information to the e-Hajj system.

If a pilgrim dies before departure, the full ticket fare must be refunded. If a pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia, 50 percent of the fare must be refunded to the family.

Airlines must also provide replacement facilities if a pilgrim cannot travel due to illness, visa problems or other valid reasons.

No airline can carry more pilgrims than its allocated quota. The ministry can increase, reduce or change the quotas if necessary.

-AJM