The first Hajj flight from Bangladesh with 419 pilgrims has reached Saudi Arabia.

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 4:20am (local time).

Bangladesh ambassador to Saudi Arabia Md Delwar Hossain and counsellor (Hajj) Md Kamrul Islam received the pilgrims.

Flowers and refreshment kits were distributed among the pilgrims.

Bangladesh consul general in Jeddah Md Shakhawat Hossain, assistant seasonal Hajj Officer Md Ruhul Amin, head of Operations at Jeddah Hajj Terminal Yahya Radi, and Raed Bakshawn, manager of Saudi service provider Nusuk Marhaba responsible for assisting pilgrims were present there.

The first Hajj flight, carrying 419 pilgrims departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:20am for Saudi Arabia on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 14 flights will be operated on the first day — six by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudi Airlines and four by Flynas.

A total of 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh will perform Hajj in 2026.

Of them, 4,565 will travel under the government arrangement, while 73,935 will go through private Hajj agencies.

Under the agreement with Saudi Arabia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50 percent of the pilgrims.

Of the remaining 50 per cent, Saudi Airlines will transport 35 per cent and Flynas 15 per cent.

Subject to moon sighting, Hajj is expected to be held on 26 May

Return flights are scheduled to begin on 30 May and continue until 1 July.