Haj panel directs 125,000 pilgrims to pay USD 100 extra

The Haj Committee of India, functioning under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, has directed around 1.25 lakh registered pilgrims for Haj 2026 to pay an additional USD 100, equivalent to about Rs 10,000, as differential airfare by May 15. The one-time hike, announced in an April 28 circular, applies regardless of embarkation point and stems from a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The increase follows airlines' requests for base fare revisions after global aviation turbine fuel costs more than doubled since late February, amid geopolitical tensions in the region. Such fuel accounts for 30 to 40 percent of airlines' operating expenses, officials noted, severely impacting charter operations for the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Pilgrims departing from points like Mumbai had already paid Rs 90,844 per person several months earlier, drawing complaints that the surcharge nearly doubles costs compared to rates for individual travelers. The circular mandates payments via the Haj Committee's website, app, or designated bank branches, with state and union territory committees tasked to notify pilgrims promptly.