DHAKA, April 17, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate this year's Hajj flights tonight. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism informed that the Prime Minister will formally open the Hajj flight operations at 11:30pm on Friday.  The Hajj flights begin as authorities announced completion of all preparations, including expanded flight schedules and reduced airfares, said a ministry statement.   Bangladesh, one of the world's largest Hajj pilgrim-sending countries, is expected to send around 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Of them, 4,565 pilgrims will perform Hajj under government management, while 73,935 under private agencies. About 50 percent of the hajj pilgrims will travel by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, while the remaining passengers by Saudia and Flynas airlines. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in a press release said this year, the inaugural Hajj flight from Bangladesh will depart at 12:20 am on April 18, carrying 419 pilgrims from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 14 flights are scheduled for that day, including six operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, three by Saudia airlines, and three by Flynas. Pre-hajj flights will end on May 21. A total of 207 pre-hajj flights are scheduled, including 102 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 30 by Flynas. Subject to moon sighting, the holy Hajj is expected to be held on May 26, 2026. Return flights will begin on May 30 after the completion of Hajj rituals and will continue until July 1 next.