The 2026 jet fuel crisis is reshaping Hajj costs for millions of pilgrims. Here’s how it affects pricing across the major pilgrim-sending countries — and what you can do about it.
Why Jet Fuel Prices Are Surging in 2026
Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in early March 2026 after US-Israel airstrikes, cutting off a waterway that normally carries 20% of the world’s oil supply.
The impact on aviation fuel has been dramatic.
According to IATA’s fuel monitor, global jet fuel prices hit US$209 per barrel in the first week of April 2026, up from around US$88 per barrel in mid-February. Prices eased slightly to around US$179 per barrel by late April, but remain more than double pre-crisis levels.
Carriers from Air France to IndiGo have raised fuel surcharges, and fares on many international routes have surged 30–40%.
For airlines operating Hajj charter flights to Jeddah and Madinah, this means sharply higher operating costs.
On 8 April 2026, the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire. IATA Director General Willie Walsh warned the same day that jet fuel supply “will still take months to recover” even after the Strait reopens, citing lasting damage to refining capacity in the Middle East.
As of late April 2026, the ceasefire has been extended but the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked. Negotiations between the US and Iran are at a deadlock, with disputes over Iran’s nuclear program stalling any deal to reopen the waterway. Jet fuel supply disruptions are expected to persist through the summer.
What It Means for Hajj Prices
Pilgrims traveling under government-managed Hajj schemes are the most shielded — most countries negotiated prices in advance and are absorbing extra fuel costs through national Hajj funds.
Those booking through private operators or independently should confirm whether quoted prices include all fuel surcharges, and expect commercial airfares to Saudi Arabia to be significantly higher than last year.
How Are Countries Responding to the Price Hike
Governments across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are working to keep the pilgrimage affordable. Hajj flights have already begun departing from most countries as of mid-April 2026.
Indonesia
Indonesia sends more pilgrims to Hajj than any other country, with 221,000 slots allocated for 2026. Despite the fuel crisis, the Indonesian government has managed to lower the official Hajj cost this year.
Indonesia’s BPKH (Hajj Fund Management Agency) confirmed the total 2026 cost at Rp87.4 million (approximately US$5,265) per pilgrim — a reduction of roughly Rp2 million from 2025.
Pilgrims don’t pay that full amount out of pocket. According to Bank Muamalat, each pilgrim pays Rp54.19 million directly, while the BPKH covers the remaining Rp33.2 million (38% of total cost) from the national Hajj fund.
Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs acknowledged that rising aviation fuel (avtur) prices are putting real pressure on Hajj costs. Indonesian travel agencies have reported fuel surcharge adjustments of US$120–$200 per pilgrim on commercial Garuda Indonesia bookings.
For government-scheme pilgrims, the BPKH fund is absorbing those costs. Hajj departures from Indonesia began on 22 April 2026, with 548 flights operating from 16 embarkation points through 21 May.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s government has taken a firm public stance: pilgrims will not bear extra costs from the fuel crisis.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf confirmed that Hajj pricing will remain unchanged. The government scheme is priced at Rs1,150,000–Rs1,250,000 (approximately US$4,360–$4,735) per pilgrim.
Hajj flights from Pakistan began on 18 April 2026, with 468 flights scheduled to transport around 119,000 government-scheme pilgrims by 21 May. PIA, airblue, Air Sial, and Saudia are operating the airlift from eight cities. The Road to Makkah project — allowing pilgrims to complete Saudi immigration at their departure airport — has been expanded to Lahore, in addition to Karachi and Islamabad.
For regular commercial flights, however, Dawn reported that PIA fuel surcharges now stand at US$50 on Saudi Arabia and Gulf routes. Pilgrims booking independently through PIA will feel this directly.
Malaysia
Tabung Haji has fixed the 2026 Hajj cost at RM33,300 (approximately US$7,500) per pilgrim — unchanged despite fuel pressures. The national Hajj fund is absorbing extra costs through pre-negotiated agreements with Malaysia Airlines and Saudia.
Flights began on 18 April 2026, with 100 charter flights transporting 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims from eight departure stations nationwide through 20 May.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has moved in the opposite direction from the crisis. The government reduced the Hajj package fee to approximately US$3,890 — lowering prices after struggling to fill its quota in previous years.
Hajj flights from Bangladesh began on 18 April 2026 from Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. Three airlines — Biman Bangladesh, Saudia, and Flynas — are sharing the airlift through 21 May.
Pilgrims booking outside the government scheme should still watch for fuel surcharges on commercial flights.
India
The Haj Committee of India has allocated 175,025 pilgrim slots for the 2026 government scheme. The government scheme package costs approximately ₹3.75–4.25 lakh (US$4,500–$5,100) per pilgrim, depending on the embarkation point.
A new 20-day “Short Hajj Package” has been introduced for working professionals who cannot take the traditional longer stay.
Private Hajj Group Operators (HGOs) are quoting ₹5.5–9 lakh (approximately US$6,600–$10,800) per pilgrim, and those prices are more vulnerable to fuel surcharges.
Air India has rolled out fuel surcharges of up to ₹18,600 (US$224) on long-haul international flights in three phases since March — pilgrims booking commercial flights to Jeddah from Delhi or Mumbai should factor this in.
Nigeria
NAHCON cut 2026 Hajj fares by up to ₦793,000, with southern zone pilgrims paying ₦7.99 million (approximately US$4,800). The reduction was driven by the naira’s appreciation against the dollar rather than fuel savings.
Saudi Arabia initially reduced Nigeria’s Hajj quota from 95,000 to 66,910 and then further to 50,000, meaning significantly fewer Nigerian pilgrims will travel this year. NAHCON has confirmed 50,000 as the final figure, with 40,250 slots for state boards and 9,750 for private tour operators.
Sources
- IATA — Jet Fuel Price Monitor
- CBC — Status of U.S., Iran Ceasefire
- ANTARA News — Indonesia’s 2026 Hajj Cost: BPKH
- Bank Muamalat — 2026 Hajj Cost Officially Reduced
- VOI — Minister Says Increase in Avtur Prices Affects Hajj Costs
- Geo TV — Hajj 2026: No Extra Cost, Flights Begin From April 18
- Dawn — PIA Raises Fuel Surcharge as Gulf Crisis Drives Up Costs
- RinggitPlus — 2026 Haj Cost Remains at RM33,300
- Arab News — Bangladesh Reduces Hajj Package Fee
- Haj Committee of India — Official Website
- Wego Blog — Air India Fuel Surcharge 2026
- Guardian Nigeria — NAHCON Slashes 2026 Hajj Fare
- New Telegraph — 50,000 Remains Final Slots for Nigeria
- AirlineGeeks — IATA Chief Warns of Possible Jet Fuel Shortages This Summer
- Gulf News — Pakistan Launches Hajj Flights with Enhanced Facilities
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
