Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to officially inaugurate this year’s Hajj flight operations Friday night at 11:30 pm.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism confirmed that all preparations have been finalized, including an expanded flight schedule and reduced airfares to facilitate the journey for thousands of devotees.

Bangladesh remains one of the largest contributors to the global Hajj pilgrimage, with a total of 78,500 pilgrims expected to travel to Saudi Arabia this year.

Of this total, 4,565 pilgrims will perform the Hajj under government management, while 73,935 will be managed by private agencies.

Transportation logistics have been divided among three major carriers, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines transporting 50 percent of the pilgrims, while the remainder will fly via Saudia and Flynas.

According to the Religious Affairs Ministry, the inaugural flight is set to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:20 am on April 18, carrying 419 pilgrims to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

A total of 14 flights are scheduled for the opening day alone, including six by Biman, three by Saudia, and three by Flynas.

The pre-Hajj flight phase is slated to conclude on May 21 after a total of 207 scheduled flights.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate 102 of these, with Saudia handling 75 and Flynas managing 30. Subject to the sighting of the moon, the holy Hajj is expected to take place on May 26.

Following the completion of the sacred rituals, return flights are scheduled to begin on May 30 and will continue through July 1, ensuring the safe return of all Bangladeshi pilgrims.