NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Minority Affairs has approved a one-time revision in airfare for Haj 2026 Air Charter Operations, raising the financial burden on pilgrims by an additional USD 100 (approximately Rs 8,300) per person, official sources said on Thursday.
The decision follows “extraordinary circumstances” arising from the volatile situation in the Middle East, a senior ministry official told .
Airlines had sought a base fare revision of over USD 400 after a sharp spike in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices triggered by the ongoing crisis.
After examining the facts and consulting stakeholders, the ministry approved a one-time increase of USD 100 per pilgrim, irrespective of their embarkation point, the official said.
Pilgrims have been directed to deposit the differential amount of Rs 10,000 by May 15, 2026.
How to pay
The amount can be deposited either through the e-payment facility on the Haj Committee website (hajcommittee.gov.in) or the Haj Suvidha App using credit/debit cards or net banking, the official added.
Alternatively, pilgrims may use the specified pay-in-slip at any branch of the State Bank of India or Union Bank of India.
The unique Bank Reference Number provided to each cover must be mentioned in the deposit receipt.
All state and Union Territory Haj Committees have been asked to immediately inform the concerned pilgrims and ensure timely deposit of the amount, the official added. (KNS).