Hajj Rituals Conclude as Return Flights Begin Tonight

The formal rituals of this year’s Hajj came to an end on Friday with pilgrims completing the symbolic stoning at the three Jamarat sites. Following the completion of Hajj, Bangladeshi pilgrims are now preparing to return home, with the first return flight scheduled for tonight.

According to officials, the first outbound flight carrying returning pilgrims will depart from King Abdulaziz International Airport at 12:10 am local time aboard a Saudia Airlines flight numbered SV-5806.

A total of 5,434 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to return home on 13 separate flights on the first day of the return operation.

This year’s Hajj flights from Bangladesh officially began on April 17, when Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the programme at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The final Hajj flight carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on May 21.

Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs said all key preparations — including tent allocations, transport arrangements, accommodation contracts, and visa processing — were completed within the timeframe set by the Saudi authorities.

The ministry also coordinated closely with airlines to ensure smooth transportation, allowing all registered Bangladeshi pilgrims to reach Saudi Arabia without major scheduling disruptions.

The return Hajj flight operations are scheduled to continue until July 1.