Dhaka, May 16 -- The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) says the airfare for the pilgrimage can be brought down to Tk 100,000 if airlines are stopped from overcharging pilgrims under the cover of dedicated Hajj flights.

HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar laid it out plainly at a press conference at Ashkona Hajj Camp in Dhaka on Saturday.

Airlines, he said, are pocketing up to Tk 54,000 in excess fare per pilgrim by slapping the "dedicated Hajj flight" label on what are essentially regular scheduled services.

"This monopoly is putting serious financial pressure on ordinary passengers," he added.

Looking ahead to 2027, he said bringing the fare down to Tk 100,000 is achievable.

"If we can rein in the middlemen, the overall co...