Return Hajj flights begin as pilgrims head home

Pilgrims have begun their journey back home after completing the main rituals of this year's Hajj, including the symbolic stoning of the devil at the three Jamarat sites.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the first return Hajj flight departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport at 12:10am local time on Friday (29 May).

The flight, operated by Saudia (SV-5806), marked the start of the repatriation of Bangladeshi pilgrims.

On the first day alone, a total of 5,434 pilgrims are scheduled to return to Bangladesh on 13 flights. Return Hajj flights will continue until 1 July.

Earlier, Hajj flight operations were formally inaugurated on 17 April at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, while the final flight carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on 21 May.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said that all essential arrangements—including tent rentals, transportation contracts, accommodation, and visa processing—were completed within the timeframe set by the Saudi authorities.

The ministry also stated that necessary coordination had been carried out with the airlines concerned to ensure smooth travel for pilgrims. As a result, all registered Bangladeshi pilgrims were able to travel to Saudi Arabia without any major scheduling disruptions.