Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Wednesday began dedicated Hajj flights directly from Chattogram to Saudi Arabia to facilitate the journey for pilgrims in the region.
The first flight of the national flag carrier--BG 3211--flew to Medina from Shah Amanat International Airport at 1.45 pm with 417 pilgrims on board, said a press release.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is operating nine flights on the Chattogram-Jeddah and two flights on the Chattogram-Medina routes before Hajj. With these, the national flag carrier will operate 65 pre-hajj flights this year.
Airport director Wing Commander M Farhad Hossain Khan attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest while Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Chattogram zone chairman Shah Alam and Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) Chattogram zone chairman Abu Zafar as the special guests.
The guests saw off the pilgrims at the airport and offered prayers for their safe journey.
saif.febd@gmail.com