Saudia launches first Hajj flight from Dhaka, Makkah Route eases travel for pilgrims

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, on Friday night (17 April) inaugurated its first Hajj flight of 2026 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, marking the start of this year's pilgrimage operations.

The launch also highlighted the continued implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative by the Kingdom's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, aimed at streamlining travel procedures for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, MP, formally inaugurated the programme and greeted departing pilgrims, seeking prayers for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H bin Abiyah, ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, President and CEO of Galaxy Bangladesh Group Ahmed Yusuf Walid, and Saudia's Country Manager in Bangladesh Salman A Alali were also present at the ceremony.

Officials said Saudia has taken advance preparations for this year's Hajj operations by digitising its entire sales and distribution process to ensure greater transparency and efficiency.

Under the Route to Makkah initiative, immigration clearance, baggage processing and other formalities were completed at the Hajj Camp in Dhaka before departure, reducing congestion at the airport and easing the overall travel experience for pilgrims.