 Summary of this article
- Haj pilgrims were asked to pay an additional Rs 10,000 after airlines revised fares due to rising Aviation Turbine Fuel prices linked to tensions in West Asia.
- Political leaders criticised the timing of the fare hike, while the government said negotiations with airlines had reduced the increase in costs.
- Despite complaints over costs and accommodation, pilgrims said their lifelong dream of visiting Mecca outweighed the financial hardships.
On a warm Wednesday afternoon at the makeshift camps near Turkman Gate, a bus stood ready to depart for the airport, carrying pilgrims on their journey to the city of Mecca.
Many had arrived to bid their relatives farewell. With identity cards hanging around their necks, families helped each other to load luggage onto the bus, exchanging tearful smiles and long hugs before departure.
Syed Athar Ali too prepped to leave with his wife. He had travelled to Delhi from Pilibhit, having arranged his Haj through the Delhi State Haj Committee (DSHC)
India’s quota for this year’s Haj pilgrimage stands at 1,75,025 pilgrims. Of these, the country’s Haj Committee has arranged travel for at least 1,22,525 pilgrims, while the remaining pilgrims will travel through private tour operators.
The Haj Committee has fixed the pilgrimage cost at Rs 3,36,600 per person in 2026. Ali, who is travelling with his wife, completed the payment in three installments. However, he later received a notification on his phone informing him that an additional Rs 10,000 had to be paid.
[url=]Related Content[/url]
 Fuel Price Hike Fears Rise Post-Elections Amid West Asia Tensions
 Bangladesh Hikes Fuel Prices By 10-16% as Iran War In West Asia Drives Up Global Oil Costs
 West Asia War Shuts Door On India’s 2026 Travel Boom
 No Fuel Or Gas Shortage In India, Says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
[url=]Related Content[/url]
Fuel Price Hike Fears Rise Post-Elections Amid West Asia Tensions
Bangladesh Hikes Fuel Prices By 10-16% as Iran War In West Asia Drives Up Global Oil Costs
West Asia War Shuts Door On India’s 2026 Travel Boom
No Fuel Or Gas Shortage In India, Says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
“We didn’t know what to do, we have to go,” he said.
The elderly couple, who run a small corner shop to support themselves, said they did not want to depend on their children for the additional expense. “We don’t want to be a burden on them. We will have to arrange the money on our own, no matter how,” Naseema said.
 Haj pilgrims depart for Mecca, Saudi Arabia from Delhi's Haj Committee makeshift camops at Turkman Gate in Delhi. on May 06,2026 Photo: SURESH K PANDEY
Haj pilgrims depart for Mecca, Saudi Arabia from Delhi's Haj Committee makeshift camops at Turkman Gate in Delhi. on May 06,2026 Photo: SURESH K PANDEY
 |
