Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed three airlines to confirm air tickets for Hajj pilgrims by today, Monday, to meet Saudi Arabia's housing rental deadline of 1st February.

Letters were sent on Saturday to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Airlines and Flynas Airlines instructing immediate confirmation of ticket requests submitted by Hajj agencies.

According to the roadmap announced by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, housing rental agreements for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah must be completed by 1st February. Flight schedules approved by General Authority of Civil Aviation and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh have already been uploaded to airlines' Hajj portals.

Hajj agencies are currently submitting ticket demand requests to complete housing rental contracts. Ministry has instructed airlines to coordinate among themselves and confirm these requests by today, informing both the ministry and concerned agencies.

Saudi guidelines require pilgrims under the same service company to travel on the same flight. During the middle phase of pre-Hajj flights, at least 20 percent of an agency's total pilgrims must be accommodated. During first and last phases, 30 to 50 percent of tickets must be issued.

Regulations stipulate that no phase can issue less than 30 percent or more than 50 percent of tickets to a single agency.

Ministry described the matter as extremely urgent in the interest of proper Hajj management for 2026. Confirmation of tickets is essential for agencies to proceed with housing rental agreements, particularly in Madinah.

All three airlines must inform the Ministry of Religious Affairs and concerned Hajj agencies immediately after confirming ticket allocations.