The Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed airlines operating Hajj flights to refund airfares to pilgrims who miss their scheduled flights due to valid medical or emergency reasons.

The directive, issued through an official letter on Thursday, was addressed to concerned officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia Airlines, and Flynas Airlines—the three carriers currently operating Hajj flights between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

This year 78,500 persons from Bangladesh have been allowed to perform Hajj. 

Over 45,000 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia since Hajj flights started on April 18.

Some pilgrims have missed flights this year, too, for illness, not boarding scheduled flights and other reasons. In this regard a special directive has been issued.