The first flight for this year’s Holy Hajj is set to depart on April 18. However, with only eight days remaining, Biman Bangladesh Airlines fears a significant shortage of flights for transporting pilgrims. The concern has arisen due to a limited number of aircraft in its fleet and one large aircraft currently undergoing repairs in Rome, Italy.
Aircraft shortage and current situation
According to relevant sources, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is currently operating only 14 aircraft on international routes. In contrast, at least 30 to 35 aircraft are required to manage passenger pressure and new routes. As no new aircraft have been added to the fleet in the past five years, it has not been possible to increase flights on Middle Eastern routes.
Meanwhile, one of Biman’s Boeing aircraft remains in Rome for maintenance. Although it was scheduled to return on April 8, it has yet to arrive. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that if the aircraft does not return by April 11 and is not added to the Hajj fleet, unpleasant incidents such as flight cancellations may occur. Maintaining the schedule would then become extremely difficult.
Officials added that there is a severe shortage of wide-body aircraft. During a critical period such as Hajj, if the aircraft under maintenance is not reintegrated into the fleet, there may be no option but to cancel flights.
Experts’ concerns and Biman’s response
Former member of Biman’s board of directors and aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam said, “The current situation is extremely concerning. Without new aircraft, Biman will not be able to maintain normal operations. Due to the fleet shortage, the airline is unable to conduct business effectively and is falling behind in international competition. Unless the fleet is expanded immediately, it will be pushed out of competition on international routes.”
Despite the concerns, Biman Bangladesh Airlines spokesperson Bosra Islam expressed optimism. “The authorities are aware to ensure that Hajj pilgrims do not face any inconvenience due to the shortage of flights. We are holding meetings regularly and working with these issues in mind. We hope there will be no flight shortage,” she said.
Preparations for Hajj
In 2026, a total of 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Visa processing and related preparations have already been finalized. Biman will be responsible for transporting a large portion of the pilgrims. However, due to the acute shortage of wide-body aircraft, if the aircraft currently in Rome does not return to the fleet at the last moment, intending pilgrims may face severe difficulties.