Haj airfare: Is ₹10,000 hike justified or unfair burden on pilgrims? Political row erupts

New Delhi: The Haj Committee of India has increased Haj airfare by ₹10,000 per pilgrim for 2026, citing a sharp global rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. The Centre said the hike was limited after negotiations with airlines.

The revision has triggered criticism from Opposition leaders, who described the move as “injustice”.

One-time revision linked to Middle East crisis

A circular issued by the Haj Committee said the Ministry of Minority Affairs approved a one-time airfare revision due to “extraordinary circumstances” arising from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

"The revised airfare entails an additional amount of USD 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 USD 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.

Pilgrims have been asked to deposit ₹10,000 towards the differential airfare by May 15.

Centre defends decision, cites cost control

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was mindful of the emotional significance of Haj.

"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 USD 300-USD 400 per pilgrim. We also can't blame airlines for the rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel price," he said.

He added that negotiations ensured the increase was capped.

Through negotiations, it was ensured that the increase was restricted to just USD 100, saving each pilgrim a significant amount, Rijiju said.

The ministry said concerns had been raised across media platforms, but maintained the decision followed due process.

"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.

"After extensive negotiation and due consultation with stakeholders, the Ministry of Minority Affairs approved a one-time revision of only USD 100 per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point -- a saving of USD 200-USD 300 per pilgrim compared to what airlines originally sought," it added.

"The circular is transparent, the process was lawful, and the decision was made in good faith to ensure Haj 2026 operations are not disrupted for over a lakh pilgrims already registered," the ministry said.

It also noted that private tour operators had already increased fares sharply and later imposed an additional hike of around USD 150.

Opposition objects, seeks rollback

The fare increase has drawn political criticism. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Centre to revoke the circular mandating the USD 100 surcharge.

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi termed the move “utter injustice”.

"When the full fare was already fixed in advance, why was this increase imposed at the very last moment? At the very least, such collections should not be made from Indians heading for the sacred Haj journey through the Haj committee," he said in a post in Hindi on X.