Mumbai, April 29 -- The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has directed pilgrims selected for Haj 2026 to deposit an additional Rs 10,000 towards revised airfare, citing the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, April 28, the committee said the Ministry of Minority Affairs had approved a one-time airfare revision for Haj 2026 air charter operations. The revised fare includes an extra charge of USD 100 per pilgrim, regardless of embarkation point.

According to the circular, airlines had sought a base fare increase of more than USD 400 due to higher Aviation Turbine Fuel prices linked to the prevailing regional situation. The committee said the request was examined before t...