Dhaka, Aug 10 (UNB) - The government has decided to include private airlines as third carrier to carry Hajj pilgrims this year as the number of hajj pilgrims sharply increased this year, Civil Aviation
and Tourism Minister GM Quader said on Tuesday.

The airfare will be same for the passengers who will be sent by third carrier and negotiation in this regard are going on, Minister Quader told newsmen after a meeting with the representatives of private airlines.

The government earlier fixed US$ 1350 as per head cost of airfare. Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudi Airlines used to carry Hajj passengers every year.

The airlines under the third carrier category have initially agreed to carry 20,000 passengers, minister Quader said adding the number might increase if they want.

Around 94, 000 will perform Hajj this year while the number was 58,000 last year.

Sources said there would be 2-3 hours transit for the passengers of the third carrier.

The private airlines that agreed to carry Hajj passengers as the third carrier are Emirates Airlines, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, PIA, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Bahrain Air and Air Arabia.

Carrying of Hajj passengers will start from October 8 while they will start returning from November 22 and it will continue till December 21.