First Return Hajj Flight Departs Saudi Arabia for Bangladesh

The rituals of this year’s Hajj have officially concluded with the symbolic stoning of the devil at the three Jamarat pillars in Mina, paving the way for the return phase of the annual pilgrimage.

The first return Hajj flight departed Saudi Arabia for Dhaka early Friday, marking the beginning of the homebound journey for Bangladeshi pilgrims. The repatriation phase will continue sequentially until July 1.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the initial return flight—operated by Saudia Airlines (SV-5806)—took off from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 12:10 am local time. On the first day alone, a total of 5,434 pilgrims are scheduled to arrive back in Bangladesh across 13 dedicated flights.

Outbound flight operations for this year's Hajj season originally commenced on April 17 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The final pre-Hajj flight from Bangladesh successfully reached Saudi Arabia on May 21.

Ministry officials confirmed that all logistical arrangements—including Mina tent allocations, transport contracts, accommodation, and visas—were strictly finalized ahead of the Saudi government’s deadlines. Enhanced coordination with handling airlines ensured a smooth transit process, completely eliminating the schedule disruptions that frequently affected past pilgrimages.