The government has launched an initiative to provide affordable air travel for Bangladeshi expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia, fixing one-way fares on the Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh routes at around 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 the special arrangement.
"Expatriate workers will be the direct beneficiaries, while the state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines is also expected to gain significant financial benefits," he said.
The adviser explained that the initiative would ensure better utilisation of Hajj flights, which traditionally operate empty on one leg, 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 additional revenue," he added.
Under the arrangement, the minimum one-way fare on the Madinah-Dhaka and Jeddah-Dhaka routes has been fixed at Tk 20,500, while the minimum return fare on the Madinah-Dhaka-Madinah and Jeddah-Dhaka-Jeddah routes has been set at Tk 42,000.
These fares will be applicable for arrivals in Bangladesh between April 18 and May 25, 2026, and for departures from Bangladesh between May 30 and 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 emphasised that previous initiatives for expatriates had sometimes failed due to a lack of proper oversight. "It must be ensured that this initiative is implemented with 100 per cent effectiveness," he added.
The move is expected to significantly reduce travel costs for migrant workers, enabling them to visit their families without financial strain, while also strengthening Biman Bangladesh Airlines' operational and financial efficiency.
