Haj Airfare Hike Triggers Political Debate, Congress Seeks Rollback as Govt Cites Global Fuel Pressure

The decision to increase Haj airfare by Rs 10,000 per pilgrim for Haj 2026 has triggered a sharp political exchange, with the Congress demanding withdrawal of the circular and the government defending it as a necessary adjustment driven by global fuel price pressures.

According to the Haj Committee of India , pilgrims will have to pay an additional 100 US dollars (around Rs 10,000) due to a steep rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices and broader global aviation cost escalation. The circular said the revision was approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs following consultations with stakeholders, including airlines.

Officials stated that airlines had sought a much higher revision of over 400 US dollars per ticket , but the increase was contained after negotiations. The government has also linked the hike to global instability in the Middle East , which has impacted fuel supply and aviation costs worldwide.

However, the Congress has strongly criticised the move, calling it sudden and poorly timed. Party leaders argued that pilgrims had already completed payments in instalments and were now being asked to pay additional charges at the last moment. They also pointed out that many Haj pilgrims are elderly and from modest income families , making the unexpected cost more difficult to bear.

Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain alleged that rising Haj costs reflect deeper issues in planning and pricing. He said the overall expense of the pilgrimage has increased significantly, making it less affordable for ordinary families, and questioned why such costs are not better regulated.

Providing context, the government has maintained that there is no direct subsidy on Haj travel and that airfare is now determined largely by market conditions, airline agreements, and international fuel trends. Officials added that efforts have been made to ensure safe and smooth arrangements for pilgrims despite global volatility.

The Congress, however, has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular , refund of the additional amount, and structural reforms such as competitive tendering and a price stability framework to prevent sudden cost shocks in future years.

The issue has now grown into a wider debate over affordability, transparency, and policy planning , with both sides standing firm on their positions.