Haj Pilgrims Face Additional ₹10,000 Airfare Charge Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Haj pilgrims to pay ‘differential airfare’; Owaisi objects, Minority Affairs Ministry defends decision
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
Haj pilgrims from India will need to pay an extra ₹10,000 as 'differential airfare' due to rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) costs linked to geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The Haj Committee of India has outlined payment options for the additional fee.
- 01Haj pilgrims must pay an additional ₹10,000 due to rising airfare costs.
- 02The increase is attributed to geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices.
- 03Payments can be made digitally or at designated bank branches.
- 04The decision has drawn objections from political leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi.
- 05The Minority Affairs Ministry defends the decision as necessary.
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Haj pilgrims from India will now have to pay an additional ₹10,000 as 'differential airfare' due to rising costs of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The Haj Committee of India (HCI) announced this requirement in a recent circular, emphasizing that the increase is necessary to manage the soaring costs of air travel. Pilgrims can make the payment digitally through the Haj Suvidha App or at branches of State Bank of India and Union Bank of India. This decision has sparked controversy, with political figures like Asaduddin Owaisi expressing their objections. However, the Minority Affairs Ministry has defended the move, stating it is essential for maintaining the pilgrimage arrangements amidst fluctuating fuel prices.
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This additional cost could strain the budgets of many pilgrims planning to undertake the Haj pilgrimage, potentially affecting their travel plans.
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