Dhaka, Jan 12 (V7N) — Hajj flights for this year are scheduled to begin on April 18, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. In this regard, the ministry has issued urgent instructions to Hajj agencies and airlines responsible for transporting pilgrims.

The directive was issued on Sunday (January 11) through a letter sent by the Hajj-1 branch of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to the concerned authorities.

The letter, signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Shafiuzzaman Bhuiyan, stated that pre-Hajj flights for the year 1447 Hijri (2026) will commence from April 18. As per the instructions of the Saudi government, pilgrims under a single service company must be transported to Saudi Arabia on the same flight.

According to the Hajj Package and Guidelines 2026, each Hajj agency must ensure a balanced distribution of pilgrims during the pre-Hajj flight schedule. At least 20 percent of the total pilgrims of each agency must be sent during the middle phase of the pre-Hajj flights, while 30 to 50 percent must be transported during the first and last phases.

The guidelines clearly state that less than 30 percent or more than 50 percent of pilgrims cannot be sent during either the first or the last phase of the pre-Hajj flights.

In light of these directives, the ministry has requested all concerned agencies and airlines to take necessary measures for timely ticket purchases and ensure compliance with Saudi regulations. The pre-Hajj flight period will span 11 days, during which agencies must strictly follow the prescribed distribution of pilgrims.

The ministry emphasized that adherence to these instructions is essential to ensure smooth Hajj operations and to avoid logistical complications during the pilgrimage.

END/SMA/AJ