Biman to use own aircraft for Hajj flights

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali has said Biman Bangladesh will operate Hajj flights with its aircrafts this year.

The minister told the media after visiting the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday.

“We are ready to start Hajj flights on May 31 if other agencies are ready to carry pilgrims, Mahbub Ali added.

The State Minister said Hajj pilgrims couldn’t be questioned unnecessarily at the immigration area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). To maintain it, the Civil Aviation Ministry has already talked to the immigration authorities.

Every Hajj pilgrim should not be questioned or harassed. Those who (immigration officers) need to question them can do it. Customs officials will also be maintaining it, he said.

If passengers complain about any kind of harassment or negligence against the airport officer/staff strict punishment measure will be taken, the minister warned.

He said e-gate would be launched very soon as per the Prime Minister's direction.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has a total of 21 aircrafts in operation.”We will cut flight frequency from fewer profit destinations without the Middle-East countries to operate affordable Hajj flights.”

The state minister asked the Civil Aviation and Biman Authorities to ensure quality services to Hajj pilgrims and regular services for passengers.

People may be suffering a bit because of ongoing renovation works of the airport's third terminal but the overall service of the airport has improved a lot, Mahbub Ali assured.

He said the government took initiatives to improve ground handling services as the airport had been struggling with 21,000 passengers daily.

Now there is no scope for stealing any luggage but it needs time to ensure quality services.