Haj 2026 Row: ₹10,000 Airfare Demand Sparks Outrage Among J&K Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

Arif Rashid

 

Srinagar | April 30, 2026

A major controversy has erupted after Indian Haj pilgrims, particularly from Jammu & Kashmir, were asked to deposit an additional ₹10,000 towards airfare after reaching Saudi Arabia, triggering anger, panic, and serious questions over mismanagement.

 

The directive, issued through an official circular by the Haj Committee of India and approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, is now facing sharp backlash for its timing and execution.

Demand in Foreign Land Triggers Panic

Pilgrims currently in Makkah and Madinah say the demand has come as a shock, leaving many stranded in confusion over how to arrange funds from abroad.

 

“We are already in Saudi Arabia. We don’t carry extra money. How are we supposed to arrange ₹10,000 from here?” said a pilgrim from Anantnag.

 

Many are now relying on family members back home to arrange the amount within a short deadline, adding financial and emotional stress to what should be a deeply spiritual journey.

 

“Administrative Failure, Not Emergency”

Authorities have justified the hike citing a surge in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices due to the Middle East crisis. However, pilgrims and observers argue that such a foreseeable issue should have been addressed well before departure.

 

“This is not an unforeseen emergency, it is a clear case of poor planning. Why impose this burden after pilgrims have already left the country?” questioned a local community member.

 

Facilities Already Under Fire

The controversy has further intensified complaints about substandard arrangements.

Pilgrims allege that accommodation, transport, and basic services fall short of expectations despite hefty payments.

 

“If services were top-class, people might understand. But here both cost and facilities are questionable,” said a group of Hajis.

 

Short Deadline, Rising Anger

The circular mandates payment by May 15, leaving limited time for compliance. Critics say the move appears coercive, with pilgrims fearing consequences if they fail to pay.

“This feels like compulsion, not a request. People are worried whether non-payment will affect their pilgrimage,” said a relative of a pilgrim.

 

Trust Deficit Deepens

While the order itself is official, its late-stage implementation has exposed serious gaps in coordination and communication between authorities and pilgrims.

What should have been a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience is now overshadowed by financial anxiety and administrative confusion.

 

Calls for Intervention

With anger mounting, there are growing demands for:

Immediate rollback of the additional charge

Financial relief for economically weaker pilgrims

 

Accountability for delayed decision-making

Unless addressed urgently, the issue risks escalating further, casting a shadow over the credibility of the Haj management system in India.