Hajj costs can be reduced if airlines stop overcharging pilgrims, says HAAB chief

The association says “excessive” airline charges are pushing up overall costs for pilgrims

The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) says the airfare for the pilgrimage can be brought down to Tk 100,000 if airlines are stopped from overcharging pilgrims under the cover of dedicated Hajj flights.

HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar laid it out plainly at a press conference at Ashkona Hajj Camp in Dhaka on Saturday.

Airlines, he said, are pocketing up to Tk 54,000 in excess fare per pilgrim by slapping the "dedicated Hajj flight" label on what are essentially regular scheduled services.

"This monopoly is putting serious financial pressure on ordinary passengers," he added.

Looking ahead to 2027, he said bringing the fare down to Tk 100,000 is achievable.

“If we can rein in the middlemen, the overall cost of Hajj will fall sharply and come within reach of ordinary people."

The overcharging, he said, had already cost Bangladesh its full pilgrim quota this year.

"If we could have brought the fare down to Tk 100,000, our full quota of 129,000 pilgrims could have gone. The rise in airfare and Moallim (guide) costs has cut our numbers.

“We have spoken to the government and hope ticket prices will come down by 2027."

HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder said this year's Hajj arrangements had to be pieced together under serious time pressure -- Moallim agreements, house rentals, transport contracts, tent selection, all done at a sprint.

"Despite the many challenges, the joint efforts of the religious affairs ministry, the Hajj Office, and HAAB have seen this year's Hajj management through successfully," he added.

On the flight cost question, he did not mince words. "In reality, no dedicated Hajj flights operate from Bangladesh. Yet airlines declare scheduled flights as dedicated and charge more.

“Fares should be lower and more reasonable. The maximum airfare should sit between Tk 100,000 and Tk 120,000," Farid said.

HAAB leaders also pushed hard for swift reform of the country's Hajj and Umrah laws, pointing to a string of new directives from the Saudi government that make the overhaul overdue.

When asked, leaders said that with visa and flight complications now resolved, every pilgrim within the quota would reach Saudi Arabia safely and on time.

No major scheduling disruption is on the horizon this season, they added.