Srinagar, July 23: The Central Government has clarified that the additional USD 100 (around ₹10,000) charged from Haj 2026 pilgrims was approved after airlines sought a fare revision due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, and increased operational expenses.Responding to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 795, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the airlines selected for Haj operations had requested the Ministry of Minority Affairs to increase airfares by up to USD 400 per pilgrim, citing higher fuel costs and exceptional operational challenges.Following consultations with stakeholders and in accordance with the Government of India’s procurement rules, the Ministry approved an additional USD 100 per pilgrim, equivalent to nearly ₹10,000. The revised airfare will be applicable across all airlines and all Haj embarkation points in the country.The clarification came after MP V. K. Sreekandan sought an explanation on the additional charge, pointing out that pilgrims departing from the Mumbai Embarkation Point had already paid ₹90,844 towards airfare. He also questioned whether the extra amount would be withdrawn following the subsequent decline in ATF prices.However, the Centre made it clear that there is no proposal to withdraw or reduce the additional Haj airfare. The government reiterated that the fare revision was approved because of the extraordinary operational challenges faced by airlines due to the conflict in the Middle East and the resulting increase in operating costs.The decision means that Haj 2026 pilgrims will continue to pay the additional ₹10,000 airfare, with the Centre maintaining that the increase was necessary to ensure smooth flight operations during the pilgrimage.
Leave a Reply