NEW DELHI, April 30 -- 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....