DHAKA, May 30, (V7N) – A total of 79,158 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia aboard 204 flights since the Hajj flights began on April 29, officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed today.

“This year, 87,100 Bangladeshis are scheduled to perform Hajj — 5,200 under government management and **81,900 through private operators,” said M Lokman Hossain, Director of the Hajj Office.

The final Hajj-bound flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka is scheduled for May 31, with 7,799 pilgrims yet to depart.

Flight Operations Overview:

Biman Bangladesh Airlines: 102 flights, 39,416 pilgrims

Saudi Airlines: 75 flights, 28,242 pilgrims

Flynas Airlines: 27 flights, 11,000 pilgrims

Today's departures include:

3 Biman flights carrying 1,257 pilgrims

1 Saudi Airlines flight with 405 pilgrims

4 Flynas flights carrying 1,224 pilgrims

According to the aviation plan, the total number of Hajj flights will be:

Biman: 118

Saudi Airlines: 80

Flynas: 34

The Hajj Office's latest bulletin confirmed the deaths of 12 Bangladeshi pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, due to old age and various health conditions.

The first Hajj flight this year departed on April 29 with 398 pilgrims, and return flights are scheduled to begin on June 10, continuing until July 10.

END/MSS/RH