Andalib Akhter | New Delhi
Haj 2026 airfares have been hiked, adding to the financial burden on pilgrims, primarily due to a sharp rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The increase comes at a time when thousands of Indian Muslims prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, often after years of savings, making cost escalation a matter of concern.
Stepping in to mitigate the impact, the Centre negotiated with airlines to significantly limit the fare hike. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that while airlines had sought an increase of USD 300–400 per pilgrim due to rising fuel costs, the government ensured that the final hike was capped at just USD 100. “We respect the sentiments attached to Haj and worked to keep the additional burden as low as possible,” he said.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs clarified that the approved hike—around ₹10,000—is a one-time revision applied uniformly across embarkation points. The Ministry noted that the increase in ATF prices is part of a global trend linked to the Middle East crisis, which has placed unavoidable cost pressures on airlines.
Officials stressed that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the Haj Committee of India, to ensure that Haj 2026 operations proceed smoothly for over one lakh registered pilgrims. The government also underlined that the process was transparent and aimed at protecting pilgrims from a much steeper increase.
In comparison, private tour operators had already raised their fares significantly and later imposed an additional hike of around USD 150 per pilgrim, making the government-negotiated increase relatively moderate.
Reaffirming its commitment, the government said it remains focused on keeping Haj accessible and affordable, balancing global economic challenges with the need to support pilgrims.
Owaisi Demands Rollback of Rs 10k Haj Airfare
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday called on the Centre to revoke the circular issued by the Haj Committee of India mandating an additional USD 100 surcharge for pilgrims, owing to the West Asia conflict. Raising the Haj airfare by Rs 10,000 per pilgrim this year has triggered discontent among applicants and criticism from political leaders. In a post on X, the MP said, the Haj Committee is demanding an additional Rs. 10,000 from Haj pilgrims as “differential airfare.” This is despite collecting Rs 90,844 per pilgrim a couple of months ago, departing from the Mumbai Embarkation Point. This is almost double the prevalent rates for individual travellers. “Are pilgrims being punished for going through the Haj Committee? This is just exploitation and nothing else. Most pilgrims are not wealthy, they save money for years to be able to go to Haj. This is not a luxury for them. The circular must be withdrawn immediately, and the pilgrims must be refunded the money taken from them,” he said, tagging the post to Union Ministers Kiren Rijuju and K Ram Mohan Naidu
Last Updated on: 1 May 2026 12:35 AM