Haj Airfare Hike Row: ₹10,000 Increase Sparks Outrage, Govt Cites Iran War Impact

A ₹10,000 increase in airfare for Haj pilgrims has triggered a political row, with the government attributing the hike to rising aviation fuel costs linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.

The Haj Committee, under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, issued a circular stating that the one-time revision was necessary due to a sharp surge in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. According to the notification, each pilgrim will have to pay an additional $100 (around ₹10,000) irrespective of their embarkation point, with the amount to be deposited by May 15.

The hike comes as global ATF prices have reportedly surged significantly since the conflict began in late February, with fuel costs accounting for nearly 30–40% of airline operating expenses. The increase has affected airline operations and led to higher travel costs.

However, the decision has sparked strong reactions from pilgrims and opposition leaders, who have called the move unfair and demanded a rollback. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the hike, questioning why pilgrims were being asked to pay more despite fares being fixed earlier. He argued that many pilgrims save for years to undertake the Haj pilgrimage and should not be burdened with sudden cost increases.

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also questioned the timing of the hike, asking why additional charges were imposed at the last moment after fares had already been determined.

Responding to the criticism, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the decision, stating that airlines had initially demanded an additional $300–$400 per pilgrim due to rising fuel prices. He said the government intervened to limit the increase to $100, thereby reducing the burden on pilgrims.

The ministry also rejected allegations of exploitation, asserting that the move was taken transparently and aimed at ensuring smooth Haj operations without major disruptions.

The Haj pilgrimage, an annual religious journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is undertaken by thousands of Indian Muslims each year, many of whom plan and save for the trip over long periods.