The Bangladesh government is expected to announce two Hajj packages for 2027 this week, following a push to fulfill the ruling BNP government's pledge to reduce pilgrimage costs.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) is currently finalizing flight costs with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, aiming for a potential airfare reduction of at least Tk 15,000 per pilgrim compared to the 2026 fare of Tk 1,54,830. Notably, private carrier US-Bangla Airlines has proposed a competitive round-trip fare of Tk 98,000.
Despite efforts to lower flight costs, overall package prices may remain similar to last year. Officials cite several factors offsetting the airfare savings the mandatory inclusion of Saudi catering services, rising accommodation rents, and the devaluation of the Bangladeshi taka against the Saudi Riyal. Furthermore, the Saudi government will no longer offer the budget-friendly 'D-category' service for the 2027 season.
To streamline options and reduce costs, the previously expensive "Package-1" will be eliminated. The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) will subsequently align its private packages with the government's newly announced rates.
Following a revised roadmap from the Saudi government, Bangladesh has initiated Hajj pre-registration and other formalities much earlier this year. The holy Hajj is tentatively scheduled for May 15, 2027, subject to the sighting of the moon. MoRA officials stressed that the final package announcement hinges entirely on securing an affordable airfare agreement.
