Biman launches special initiative to bring expatriate workers home at Tk 20,000 fare

Dhaka: In a landmark initiative to ensure affordable travel for expatriate Bangladeshi workers, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has introduced a special airfare scheme allowing workers to return home from Saudi Arabia at a one-way fare of only Tk 20,000.

The initiative, aimed at easing travel for migrant workers and strengthening expatriate-friendly policies, will be implemented on the Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh route, read a press release of the chief adviser's press wing. Under the scheme, a target of selling 80,000 tickets has been set, benefiting thousands of expatriate workers while also ensuring significant financial gains for the national flag carrier.

Advisor to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Sheikh Bashiruddin, said the initiative would not only reduce the financial burden on expatriate workers wishing to reunite with their families but would also help Biman utilize flights that previously operated with empty seats, particularly during Hajj operations.

“For the first time in Biman’s history, there is a realistic possibility of generating additional revenue exceeding Tk 1 billion by effectively utilizing one-way return flights,” the advisor noted.

According to the details of the scheme, the minimum one-way fare on the Madinah–Dhaka and Jeddah–Dhaka routes has been fixed at Tk 20,500. Meanwhile, the minimum return fare on the Madinah–Dhaka–Madinah and Jeddah–Dhaka–Jeddah routes has been set at Tk 42,000.

The special fare will be applicable for travel to Bangladesh between April 18 and May 25, 2026, while return journeys from Bangladesh will be valid between May 30 and June 30, 2026.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus welcomed the initiative and thanked Sheikh Bashiruddin for taking what he described as a major step toward implementing expatriate-friendly policies. He said such practical decisions would make the lives of expatriate Bangladeshis easier and contribute positively to the national economy.

The Chief Adviser also cautioned that while similar initiatives had been taken in the past, some failed due to poor implementation. “It must be ensured that this initiative is implemented effectively and remains fully functional,” he emphasized.

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