Haj pilgrims to pay `10K more due to high ATF prices
The Haj Committee of India has raised the Haj airfare by `10,000 per pilgrim this year due to a sharp global rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, with the Centre asserting that the increase has been restricted through hard negotiations.
The Haj airfare hike has drawn criticism from Opposition leaders, who have stated that such an increase amounts to “injustice”.
A circular issued by the Haj Committee of India said in view of the extraordinary circumstances arising out of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, a one-time revision in the airfare for Haj 2026 has been approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
“The revised airfare entails an additional amount of $100 per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point, to be borne by the pilgrims. The decision has been taken in view of pressing requests from airlines for revision of base fare by more than $400 on account of the sharp increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel prices due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East, after due examination of facts and consultation with stakeholders,” the circular said.
Accordingly, all Haj pilgrims this year are required to deposit `10,000 towards the differential airfare by May 15, it added. In a post on X, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said for countless families, Haj is a once-in-a-lifetime dream nurtured over years.
“I deeply respect that sentiment. 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 blame airlines for the rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel price,” he said.
Through negotiations, it was ensured that the increase was restricted to just $100, saving each pilgrim a significant amount, Rijiju said. The decision was taken transparently and in good faith to ensure no disruption in the Haj 2026 operations, he added.
The minority affairs ministry said various concerns and comments have been raised on several media platforms regarding the `10,000 increase in the Haj airfare.
“We share the concerns for every pilgrim who saves for years to perform Haj. That is precisely why the Haj Committee negotiated hard on their behalf,” it said.
The ministry said the facts are that the airlines demanded $300 to $400 extra per pilgrim due to the sharp rise in ATF prices caused by the Middle-East crisis — a global emergency beyond any Government’s control.
“After extensive negotiation and due consultation with stakeholders, the Ministry of Minority Affairs approved a one-time revision of only $100 per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point — a saving of $300 per pilgrim compared to what airlines originally sought,” it said.
