12,855 pilgrims reach Jeddah

A total of 12,855 pilgrims have so far reached Jeddah to perform Hajj this year.

“Biman Bangladesh Airlines has carried 4,974 Hajj pilgrims on 12 flights, while 4,657 pilgrims travelled on 12 flights of the Saudi Arabian state carrier, and eight flights of private airline Flynas carried 3,224 pilgrims,” Hajj Office Director M Lokman Hossain said, reports BSS.

He said Saudi medical centres have so far issued 25 automated prescriptions for Bangladeshi pilgrims, while IT help desks have delivered 630 service interventions to assist pilgrims during their stay.

Hossain said Bangladesh has asked all concerned in Saudi Arabia to ensure medical services for Bangladeshi pilgrims during the Hajj and post-Hajj period.

The Hajj director said pre-Hajj flights will end on May 21. A total of 207 pre-Hajj flights are scheduled, including 102 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 30 by Flynas.

Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest Hajj pilgrim-sending countries, is expected to send around 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Of them, 4,565 pilgrims will perform Hajj under government management, while 73,935 will go under private agencies.

About 50 per cent of the Hajj pilgrims will travel by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, while the remaining passengers will fly by Saudia and Flynas.

Subject to moon sighting, the holy Hajj is expected to be held on May 26, 2026.
Return flights will begin on May 30 after the completion of Hajj rituals and will continue until July 1.