Dhaka Bureau: Regarding the reduction of air fares for Hajj pilgrims this year, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shafiul Azim said, “We have fixed the minimum fare for Hajj pilgrims; after that, it is not possible to reduce any more.”
He said this at a press conference held at Biman’s head office on Sunday (March 19).
Biman’s MD said that the airfare for the Hajj package has been fixed. Airfare is a part of this package. The package has been approved by the concerned ministry. This is their jurisdiction, which has not changed. That means there is no opportunity to reduce the Hajj package from the airline.
He also said, ‘Our base fare has increased by 15 percent. Management costs, dollar appreciation, jet fuel, taxes, and surcharges have all gone up. The dollar rose by about 25 percent. About 19 percent of jet fuel Various airport charges have increased by 18 percent. All in all, the rent is fine.
Biman’s MD said that the first flight BG3001 of the Hajj pilgrims will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Jeddah at 3:45 PM on May 21. The flight will land at Jeddah Airport at 7:30 a.m. local time.
Shafiqul Azim also said that Biman Bangladesh will operate 159 pre-Hajj flights and 152 post-Hajj flights with Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft.
It should be noted that 1 lakh, 27 thousand, and 198 people from Bangladesh have received permission to perform Hajj this year. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will transport 63,599 of these Haj pilgrims.
