The Hajj Committee of India has asked all pilgrims travelling for Hajj 2026 to deposit an additional ₹10,000 due to a rise in airfare costs.
In an official circular issued on April 28, the committee said the increase comes after a one-time fare revision approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The hike includes an additional $100 (around ₹10,000) per pilgrim and will apply to all embarkation points across the country.
Officials said the decision was taken after airlines cited a sharp rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Airlines Had Sought Higher Increase
According to officials, airlines had initially demanded a fare hike of over $400 per passenger due to rising operational costs. However, after discussions, authorities approved only a partial increase, passing on a smaller burden to pilgrims.
All selected pilgrims have been directed to deposit the additional amount by May 15, 2026. Payments can be made through the official Hajj portal, the Hajj Suvidha app, or through designated bank branches such as State Bank of India and Union Bank of India.
State Hajj Committees have been instructed to inform pilgrims and ensure compliance within the deadline.
Over 1.75 Lakh Pilgrims to Travel This Year
This year, around 1,75,025 pilgrims from India are expected to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. With the additional ₹10,000 charge, the total financial impact on pilgrims is estimated to be nearly ₹175 crore.
The pilgrimage process has already begun, with the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departing from Srinagar on April 18.
Owaisi Criticises Move, Calls It “Exploitation”
Reacting to the decision, Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticised the additional charge and demanded that the circular be withdrawn.
“The Haj Committee is demanding an additional ₹10,000 from Haj pilgrims as ‘differential airfare’. This is despite collecting ₹90,844 per pilgrim earlier from Mumbai embarkation point. This is almost double the prevalent rates for individual travellers,” he said.
Owaisi questioned whether pilgrims were being penalised for choosing the official route.
“Most pilgrims are not wealthy; they save money for years to go for Hajj. This is not a luxury for them. This is just exploitation and nothing else,” he added, urging authorities to refund the extra amount.
