Haj pilgrims to pay ‘differential airfare’; Owaisi objects, Minority Affairs Ministry defends decision

Haj pilgrims will have to face turbulence ahead of their flights to Saudi Arabia, with the Haj Committee of India (HCI) instructing them to pay an additional ₹10,000 as “differential airfare”.The move, according to a circular issued by the Haj Committee of India, is on account of the war between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has driven Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) costs soaring. Haj pilgrims have been asked to make the payment either digitally or on the Haj Suvidha App using cards or netbanking. They can also pay using a pay-in slip at State Bank of India or Union Bank of India branches.

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