Haj airfare hike sparks protest amidst rising fuel costs
A recent decision to increase Haj airfare by ₹10,000 per pilgrim has drawn criticism from applicants and political leaders due to rising global fuel costs. The Haj Committee of India cited extraordinary circumstances stemming from the West Asia crisis as the reason for this one-time revision, which aims to mitigate a larger increase demanded by airlines. The deadline for pilgrims to pay the additional amount is May 15, 2026.
Key Highlights
- Haj airfare increased by ₹10,000 per pilgrim for 2026.
- Rising global fuel costs cited as primary reason for hike.
- Haj Committee of India issued a circular on April 28, 2026.
- Pilgrims must pay the additional amount by May 15, 2026.
- Political leaders and pilgrims have criticized the last-minute increase.
- Airlines had initially requested a fare increase of over $400.
The Haj Committee of India, operating under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, has announced a ₹10,000 increase in airfare for Haj pilgrims for the year 2026. This decision, communicated via a circular issued on April 28, 2026, has ignited discontent among applicants and drawn sharp criticism from various political figures and organizations. The primary reason cited for this hike is the escalating cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and crisis in West Asia.
Airlines had reportedly requested a substantial revision of base fares, seeking an increase of over $400 per pilgrim. However, through negotiations and interventions, the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee managed to cap the additional charge at $100 per pilgrim, which translates to approximately ₹10,000. Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, defended the decision, stating that it was a necessary compromise to ensure the smooth and comfortable operation of the Haj 2026 pilgrimage, preventing a more significant financial burden on the pilgrims. He emphasized that the government had absorbed pressure and protected pilgrims from a far larger increase, highlighting that the decision was taken transparently and in good faith to avoid disruptions.
Despite these explanations, the timing of the announcement and the additional financial demand have faced significant backlash. Critics, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, have condemned the move as unjust and exploitative. Owaisi specifically pointed out that the additional charge is being levied after pilgrims, particularly those departing from Mumbai, had already paid ₹90,844, stating that this increase is almost double the prevalent rates for individual travelers. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular and a refund of the money already collected.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's Nagpur unit also staged a protest, terming the hike "unjustified and condemnable." They highlighted that airfare agreements are usually finalized months in advance, making a sudden increase inappropriate. The organization expressed concern over the increased financial burden on families, especially when some pilgrims have already departed.
The Haj Committee of India has set a deadline of May 15, 2026, for all registered pilgrims to deposit the additional ₹10,000. Payments can be made through the Haj Committee's website, the Haj Suvidha App, or via pay-in-slips at designated bank branches. The Haj flights commenced on April 24, 2026, and according to the Haj Committee, approximately 1.75 lakh pilgrims from across the country are undertaking the pilgrimage this year. As of April 28, nearly half of these pilgrims had already reached Mecca.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs reiterated its commitment to making the Haj accessible and affordable for every Indian Muslim, clarifying that the government has absorbed significant pressure to limit the impact on pilgrims. The decision was made after due examination of facts and consultations with stakeholders to ensure the seamless continuation of Haj 2026 operations.
In summary, while the airfare hike is attributed to global fuel price surges and the West Asia crisis, the late announcement and additional cost have sparked considerable controversy and protest among the Indian Haj pilgrims and their representatives. The government maintains that the increase is a mitigated measure to ensure operational continuity and affordability, despite criticism of it being exploitative and unjust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the airfare for Haj pilgrims increased by ₹10,000?
The Haj Committee of India has increased the airfare by ₹10,000 per pilgrim due to a rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, attributed to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Airlines had requested a much larger increase, but the government negotiated it down to a $100 (approximately ₹10,000) hike per pilgrim.
When is the last date to pay the additional airfare amount?
The deadline for pilgrims to deposit the additional ₹10,000 towards differential airfare is May 15, 2026.
Who is criticizing this airfare hike?
The airfare hike has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Haj applicants, political leaders like AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, and organizations like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. They have termed the increase unjust, exploitative, and a significant financial burden, especially given its late announcement.
What is the government's response to the criticism?
Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, defended the hike, stating it was a 'minimal increase' to ensure smooth operations and prevent a much larger financial burden on pilgrims. He emphasized that the government negotiated the increase to $100 per pilgrim, saving them significantly compared to the airlines' original demand.