Haj-2026 Pilgrims May Face Airfare Surcharge
Training camps are complete, and tenders for arrangements begin April 18.
Hyderabad: With global fuel prices rising sharply due to the West Asia conflict, Haj pilgrims for 2026 may have to pay an additional surcharge on flight tickets. Saudi‑based airlines have proposed charging ₹12,000–₹15,000 extra on round‑trip fares booked through the State Haj Committee.
Sources said the Haj Committee of India met Saudi Airlines and other operators in Mumbai on April 13 to discuss the evolving situation. “The designated airline is likely to collect a surcharge of around ₹14,000 for two‑way tickets,” travel industry sources confirmed.
As per the schedule, the first batch of pilgrims will depart on May 4 and the last on May 21, with two to three daily flights from RGIA. About 10,000 pilgrims, including those from neighbouring districts of the erstwhile Hyderabad State, will leave from the city.
The State Haj Committee received 11,557 applications, with 2,500 on the waiting list. Officials said cancellations on health grounds have allowed some waiting‑list applicants to join. Training camps are complete, and tenders for arrangements begin April 18.
Despite anxieties over the conflict, officials said cancellations remain negligible. “Flights do not pass through the conflict zone, so there is no risk or delay,” said Mohammed Siraj Khan, general secretary of the Haj and Umrah Tours Organisers’ Association.
