Mentioning US-Bangla Airlines proposal to carry hajj pilgrims at a fare of Tk 98,000 a plus point, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said the offer has strengthened the government's position in negotiating lower fares.
"We have received US-Bangla Airlines' proposal. It has become a plus point for us in negotiating lower Hajj airfares. We will discuss the matter at today's meeting," he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
The private carrier submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday, expressing its willingness to transport Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims in 2027, subject to government approval, he said.
The offer would be discussed at a meeting on finalising the 2027 Hajj package, he added.
According to ministry sources, US-Bangla said in its letter that it is ready to operate Hajj flights at a net airfare of Tk 98,000 per passenger while complying with all required conditions, aiming to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Bangladeshi Muslims.
The airfare for Hajj pilgrims in 2026 was Tk 154,830 per passenger, making air travel one of the largest components of the overall Hajj package.
Representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and other stakeholders would attend Tuesday's meeting to discuss the Hajj package, including the airline's proposal, said Azad.
"US-Bangla has informed us that if it is allowed to operate Hajj flights, it will obtain the necessary approval from the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority. We also want people to be able to perform Hajj at a lower cost," he said.
The current government is committed to reducing Hajj expenses, and efforts are on to achieve that. Competition in Hajj airfares is a positive development, said the Secretary.
At present, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia and private airline Flynas operate Hajj flights carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage season.
Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Secretary General Farid Ahmed Mazumder welcomed initiatives to reduce airfares, saying the association would discuss US-Bangla's proposal at its meeting.