Prime Minister Tarek Rahman formally inaugurated Hajj Flight 2026 on the night of April 17, 2026. The ceremony took place in the presence of Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat. Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with the departing pilgrims and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet them before their journey. He sought prayers for the nation’s welfare and for the government’s ongoing initiatives to be successfully completed.

According to the Saudi government’s Hajj management roadmap, the 2026 Hajj flight operations began on the same day. This year, a total of 207 flights operated by Biman Bangladesh, Saudia, and Flynas Airlines will transport approximately 78,500 pilgrims without any chartered flights. Ticket costs have been reduced by 12,000 taka compared to the previous year.

The inaugural flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:20 a.m. carrying 419 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. A total of 14 flights operated on the first day, including six by Biman Bangladesh, four by Saudia, and four by Flynas.