Dhaka, Jan 30 (V7N) — In a major step to ensure affordable travel for expatriate Bangladeshi workers, the government has fixed the one-way airfare on Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh routes at around Tk 20,000, aiming to ease travel and enable workers to reunite with their families at lower cost.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin said that under this special initiative, 80,000 tickets will be sold on routes between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. He noted that the move will benefit expatriate workers while also generating significant financial gains for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the country’s national flag carrier.

The advisor explained that the initiative will make effective use of one-way empty flights, particularly those associated with Hajj operations. As a result, for the first time in Biman’s history, there is a strong possibility of earning additional revenue exceeding Tk 100 crore.

Under the special fare structure:

  • The minimum one-way fare on the Madinah–Dhaka and Jeddah–Dhaka routes has been fixed at Tk 20,500.

  • The minimum return fare on the Madinah–Dhaka–Madinah and Jeddah–Dhaka–Jeddah routes has been set at Tk 42,000.

The special fares will be applicable for arrivals in Bangladesh from April 18 to May 25, 2026, and for return journeys from Bangladesh between May 30 and June 30, 2026.

Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus welcomed the initiative, thanking Sheikh Bashiruddin for what he described as a milestone in implementing expatriate-friendly policies.

He said such pragmatic decisions would make the lives of expatriate Bangladeshis easier and contribute positively to the national economy. However, he cautioned that proper oversight is essential, noting that similar initiatives in the past had failed due to lack of sustained attention.

“We must ensure that this initiative is implemented 100 percent effectively,” the Chief Advisor said.

END/SMA/AJ