NEW DELHI ,1 May 2026 : A political row has broken out over the Haj Committee’s decision to raise airfares by Rs 10,000 per pilgrim this year because of complaints from airlines over increased jet fuel costs.
The government has defended the hike by pointing to fighting in the Middle East – the US and Israel’s war on Iran – that has choked crude oil supply worldwide, and noting the increase has been capped at “just $100” after intense talks.
The ‘unjust’ hike, however, has been fiercely criticised by the opposition.
The storm erupted after the Haj Committee – a statutory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs – issued a circular that referred to ‘extraordinary circumstances arising out of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East’ and announced a one-time revision in airfares for pilgrims travelling to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The circular said: “The revised airfare entails an additional amount of USD 100 per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point, to be borne by pilgrims. 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.”
Those wishing to go on the journey this year must pay the extra amount by May 15, it said.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the hike in an X post. “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.”
“Through negotiations, we ensured the increase was restricted to just $100… saving each pilgrim a significant amount,” he said, adding the decision had been taken in good faith.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, however, was not convinced, arguing the committee had already collected over Rs 90,000 from each pilgrim. “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.”
Old picture from social media used
