Biman asks hajj pilgrims to confirm tickets

In a statement yesterday, Biman said they apprehend that those who have not yet collected their tickets may face problems in going to Jeddah. The statement came after Biman had to cancel 15 flights as hajj pilgrims did not buy air tickets or booked seats in time to fulfil the seat capacity of the aircraft. In light of the existing situation, all pilgrims were requested to confirm their tickets with Biman or else the management would not be able take any responsibilities for them. Under the circumstances, the Bangladesh government also plans to seek more landing slots at Jeddah airport for Biman to smoothly transport hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. At a recent inter-ministerial meeting at the secretariat, Biman Managing Director and CEO Mosaddique Ahmed asked all hajj agencies to confirm air tickets with Biman; otherwise, the situation would deteriorate. A marketing official of Biman said the national flag carrier plans to carry around 51,000 hajj pilgrims this year, while 50,758 more would be carried by Saudia Airlines. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate a total of 278 flights to carry hajj pilgrims. Of them, 144 flights would be pre-hajj operation and 134 for post-hajj operation. To transport hajj pilgrims this year, Biman has leased a Boeing 747 with a capacity of carrying over 500 people from Malaysian Airlines.