Parliament Question: Additional payment for Haj Pilgrims

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 795 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd July 2026 ) ADDITIONAL PAYMENT FOR HAJ PILGRIMS 795. SHRI V K SREEKANDAN Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the airlines have demanded an additional payment of Rupees 10,000 from Haj pilgrims as differential fare by 15th May, 2026 and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the said amount was demanded despite collection of Rupees 90,844 per pilgrim a couple of months earlier from pilgrims departing from the Mumbai Embarkation Point and if so, the details thereof; and (c) whether, in view of the reduction in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, the airlines are likely to withdraw the demand for the additional payment of Rupees 10,000 per pilgrim and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) to (c): In view of the extraordinary circumstances arising out of the crisis in the Middle East and the consequent increase in operational costs, the selected airlines made a representation to Ministry of Minority Affairs seeking an upward revision in pilgrims' airfare of up to USD 400 per pilgrim, citing, inter alia, the increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. After due consideration, consultation with stakeholders, and Procurement rules of Govt of India, an increase of USD 100 (approximately 10,000 rs) per pilgrim was approved by Ministry of Minority Affairs across all airlines and all embarkation points. ******