Dhaka, Jan. 11 -- The Hajj flights from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia will start from April 18, said the Religious Affairs Ministry.

All Hajj agencies and airlines will have to strictly follow the directives of the Saudi government and the Hajj Package and Guidelines 2026, it said.

The ministry sent letters to the Hajj agency owners and the three airlines responsible for transporting Hajj pilgrims, outlining the instructions.

According to the letter, flights carrying pilgrims for Hajj 1447 Hijri (2026) will start operating from April 18. This year's Hajj is expected to fall on May 26.

As per Saudi government instructions, pilgrims under the same service company must be transported to Saudi Arabia on the same flight.

The ministry also sa...