US-Bangla Airlines has submitted a proposal to transport pilgrims for 2027 Hajj season at a rate of only Tk98,000 per person. The private carrier expressed its interest in participating in Hajj flight operations provided it receives government approval.
If implemented, the proposal would represent a significant reduction in travel costs for pilgrims. For comparison, the airfare for Hajj pilgrims in 2026 was Tk1,54,830 per person.
In a letter sent on Tuesday to Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, US-Bangla Airlines stated that it is prepared to transport passengers at a net fare of Tk98,000, fulfilling all necessary conditions for Hajj flight operations.
The airline also noted that it would secure the required authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia once the necessary permissions are granted.
Azad described the proposal from US-Bangla as a positive development in discussions aimed at reducing Hajj airfares. He confirmed that the matter would be reviewed during meetings with relevant stakeholders.
“The government’s goal is to reduce the costs for pilgrims,” the secretary said, adding that the public would benefit from the competition created in airfare pricing.
Currently, Hajj pilgrims from Bangladesh are transported by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the Saudi national carrier Saudia, and the private airline Flynas.
Farid Ahmed Majumder, general secretary of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), said the organisation has been campaigning for a long time to lower Haj airfares. He noted that the proposal from US-Bangla would be discussed in the relevant upcoming meetings.
