The government has launched a groundbreaking initiative to provide affordable travel facilities for Bangladeshi expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia, fixing one-way airfares on the Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh route at just Tk 20,000.
The announcement was made by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Friday morning.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said the initiative aims to sell 80,000 tickets in both Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh under this special arrangement.
“Expatriate workers will benefit directly, while the state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines is also expected to gain significant financial benefits,” he added.
The adviser explained that the initiative will make better use of Hajj flights, which traditionally operate empty one-way, creating an opportunity for Biman to earn additional revenue.
“For the first time in Biman’s history, there is a realistic possibility of generating more than Tk 100 crore in extra revenue,” he said.
Under the arrangement, the minimum one-way fare on the Madinah–Dhaka and Jeddah–Dhaka routes is set at Taka 20,500, while the minimum return fare on Madinah–Dhaka–Madinah and Jeddah–Dhaka–Jeddah routes is fixed at Taka 42,000.
The fares will be applicable for arrivals in Bangladesh from April 18 to May 25, 2026 and for departures from Bangladesh from May 30 to June 30, 2026.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus described the initiative as an important milestone in implementing a pro-expatriate policy and thanked Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin for taking the step.
“Such practical decisions will further ease the lives of expatriate Bangladeshis and make a positive contribution to the national economy,” he said.
Prof Yunus also stressed that past initiatives for expatriates sometimes failed due to lack of proper oversight. “It must be ensured that this initiative is implemented with 100 percent effectiveness,” he added.
This move is expected to make travel for migrant workers more affordable, allowing them to visit their families without financial strain, while also strengthening Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ operational and financial efficiency.
NSA
