Haj
Haj 2026 hit by Rs. 10,000 fare hike due to soaring jet fuel prices amid Middle East tension, opposition criticises
The Haj Committee of India has increased airfare for the Haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by ₹10,000 per pilgrim this year, citing a global rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Clarifying the decision, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said it was responding to concerns raised across media platforms regarding the fare hike.
“Airlines had initially sought an increase of USD 300–400 per pilgrim due to the sharp rise in ATF prices, a global factor beyond the control of any government,” the ministry said in a statement on X.
It added that following extensive negotiations and consultations with stakeholders, the government approved a one-time increase of only USD 100 per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point, thereby reducing the potential burden by USD 200–300 per pilgrim.
“This is not exploitation. It is an effort to absorb pressure and protect pilgrims from a far larger financial impact,” the ministry said, adding that the process was transparent and aimed at ensuring that Haj 2026 operations for over one lakh registered pilgrims proceed without disruption.
Imran:The Haj Committee is demanding an additional ₹10,000 from Haj pilgrims as “differential airfare.” This is despite collecting ₹90,844 per pilgrim a couple of months ago departing from Mumbai Embarkation Point. This is almost DOUBLE the prevalent rates for individual travellers.… pic.twitter.com/k6xUYkFAsK
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) April 30, 2026
Rijiju;हज यात्रियों से इस तरह यात्रा से बिल्कुल पहले ₹10,000 की जबरन वसूली करना सरासर नाइंसाफ़ी है।
— Imran Pratapgarhi (@ShayarImran) April 30, 2026
जब पूरा किराया पहले से तय था,
तो आख़िरी वक़्त में यह इज़ाफ़ा क्यों किया गया ?
कम से कम हज कमेटी के ज़रिये पवित्र यात्रा पर हज करने जा रहे भारतीयों से इस तरह से वसूली ना की जाये।… pic.twitter.com/t7xMOKHVSk
For countless families, Haj is a once-in-a-lifetime dream nurtured over years. I deeply respect that sentiment.
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 30, 2026
Amid a sharp global rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel prices, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, Airlines sought a steep hike of $300–$400 per pilgrim. We also can't… https://t.co/7xAXTS0v3M
The ministry also noted that private tour operators had already revised fares sharply and, in some cases, imposed an additional increase of around USD 150.
Kiren Rijiju said Haj is a once-in-a-lifetime aspiration for many families. “Amid a sharp global rise in ATF prices driven by geopolitical tensions, airlines sought a steep hike. Through negotiations, we ensured the increase was restricted to just USD 100, saving each pilgrim a significant amount,” he said on X.
However, opposition leaders criticised the move. Asaduddin Owaisi termed the hike “exploitation” and called for the circular to be withdrawn, urging a refund for pilgrims.
Imran Pratapgarhi also criticised the decision, saying imposing an additional ₹10,000 charge ahead of the pilgrimage was unjust, particularly for families who save for years to undertake the journey.
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