Jeddah, Apr 18 (V7N) — The first Hajj flight from Bangladesh has safely arrived in Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage operations.

Operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, flight BG-3001 landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport at 4:20 am local time, carrying a total of 419 pilgrims.

The information was confirmed in a press release issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Upon arrival, the pilgrims were warmly received by Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Md. Delwar Hossain and Hajj Counselor Md. Kamrul Islam. The passengers were greeted with flowers and provided with refreshment kits.

Also present at the reception were Consul General of the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Assistant Seasonal Hajj Officer Md. Ruhul Amin, Head of Operations at the Jeddah Hajj Terminal Ihahiya Radi, and Nusuk Marhaba Manager Raed Bakshaun.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman officially inaugurated the Hajj Flight-2026 program at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:30 pm on Friday.

Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with this year’s Hajj management, describing the process as smooth and well-organized from departure to arrival. They noted that procedures such as immigration and boarding were completed quickly and without hassle.

This year, three airlines—Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Airlines, and Flynas—are operating Hajj flights. In addition to Dhaka, flights will also depart from Chattogram and Sylhet.

A total of 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year under both government and private arrangements.

END/SMA/AJ