India's Haj Committee has announced a Rs 10,000 increase in airfares for pilgrims travelling to Mecca this year. The committee, a statutory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, issued a circular citing extraordinary circumstances arising from the Middle East crisis.
As per the report of NDTV, airlines had requested a hike of $300-$400 per pilgrim due to sharp rises in Aviation Turbine Fuel prices. After negotiations, the final increase was capped at $100 per pilgrim, regardless of embarkation point. Pilgrims must pay the extra amount by May 15.
The circular
The committee's circular stated, "The revised airfare entails an additional amount of USD 100 per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point, to be borne by pilgrims.
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The decision has been taken in view of pressing requests from airlines for revision of base fare... on account of sharp increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel prices due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East."
Government's defence
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote on X, "For countless families, Haj is a once-in-a-lifetime dream nurtured over years. I deeply respect that sentiment (but) amid a sharp global rise in ATF 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 ATF prices."
He added, "Through negotiations, we ensured the increase was restricted to just $100... saving each pilgrim a significant amount," stating the decision was taken in good faith.
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
Opposition's criticism
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, "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." He demanded, "The circular must be withdrawn immediately and the money must be refunded."
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Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi said, "Forcing an additional Rs 10,000 collection from Haj pilgrims right before their journey is utter injustice. When the full fare was already fixed in advance, why was this increase imposed at the very last moment?"
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
Fuel price context
According to the report of NDTV, ATF prices for international airlines rose five percent. This was the second straight monthly increase. State-owned oil firms revised rates as global energy prices remained elevated due to the war in Iran. India deregulated ATF prices over two decades ago, aligning them with international benchmarks.
Authorities chose a calibrated approach to avoid passing the full cost impact at once. ATF is one of the biggest cost components for airlines, directly affecting operating expenses on international routes, including flights to Saudi Arabia.
