Kondotty: The state Hajj Committee has officially announced the airfare for the Hajj pilgrimage this year.

For pilgrims departing via Karipur Airport, the ticket fare will be Rs. 3,73,000. For those traveling from Kochi, it is estimated to be Rs 3,37,100, and from Kannur, Rs 3,38,000. Pilgrims traveling from Kannur or Karipur will have to pay around Rs 35,900 more compared to Kochi. This discrepancy poses a significant setback for pilgrims departing from Karipur.

This year, 10,371 people are traveling from Karipur out of a total of 17,607 pilgrims departing from Kerala. As pilgrims are not given the choice to select or change airports, they are left with the option of paying a higher fare or canceling their pilgrimage altogether.

The higher airfare may result in a reduced number of pilgrims traveling from Karipur next year.

Due to restrictions, only small aircraft are permitted for Hajj services from Karipur, as wide-body aircraft cannot operate there. Air India Express is the sole provider of services from Karipur, while Saudi Airlines operates from Kannur and Kochi.

A total of 20 airports across the country have been providing Hajj services. Across the country, pilgrims departing from Gaya International Airport will face the highest airfare of Rs 4,11,600 for the Hajj pilgrimage, whereas those traveling from Mumbai will enjoy the lowest ticket fare of Rs 3,21,150.