Rs 10,000 Haj Airfare Hike Sparks Protests, Owaisi Demands Rollback

Protests have intensified across parts of the country over the Centre’s decision to impose a Rs 10,000 airfare hike on Haj pilgrims, with Asaduddin Owaisi leading demands for an immediate rollback and refunds.

The controversy stems from a circular issued by the Haj Committee of India mandating an additional USD 100 surcharge per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point . Pilgrims yet to travel have been asked to pay the revised amount by a May 15 deadline , triggering concern among families already under financial strain.

Opposition has spilled onto the streets, with organisations such as Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind protesting the move and questioning its timing. Critics argue that airfare agreements are usually finalised months in advance, making a last-minute hike unjustified . Many families are reportedly struggling to arrange funds at short notice, especially where primary earners have already departed for Saudi Arabia.

Owaisi pointed out that pilgrims had already paid Rs 90,844 per pilgrim for departures from centres such as Mumbai, alleging the fares are “almost double” prevailing market rates . Calling the increase “just exploitation” , he stressed that Haj is not a luxury but a once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation for many who save for years. He demanded that the circular be withdrawn and that refunds be issued to affected pilgrims.

Authorities have justified the hike citing a sharp rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) costs due to the West Asia situation. Airlines had reportedly sought a steeper increase of over USD 400 , but the government capped the revision at USD 100 per pilgrim.

The decision affects around 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims , with the additional burden estimated at nearly ₹175 crore . With nearly half already in Saudi Arabia, the revised cost falls on the remaining travellers. The government has yet to issue a formal response as protests and political pressure continue to mount.