Airfare hike of ₹10,000 for Haj pilgrims draws criticism

A decision by the Haj Committee of India, which functions under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, to raise Haj airfare by ₹10,000 per pilgrim this year has triggered discontent among applicants and sharp reactions from political leaders.

A circular issued on April 28 has directed all Haj pilgrims to make an additional payment of ₹10,000 by May 15, regardless of their point of departure. This decision follows requests from airlines to revise base fares due to increasing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, which have been affected by the ongoing situation in West Asia.