Hajj Costs Climb as Saudi Airlines and Garuda Impose Fuel Surcharges
Jakarta. Indonesia will shield Hajj pilgrims from rising 2026 costs, even as oil prices surge above $100 per barrel and global risks push expenses higher.
Hajj and Umrah Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf said the additional costs stem from a sharp rise in global crude prices, which have climbed past $100 per barrel amid tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel.
He pointed to multiple cost drivers, including higher aviation fuel prices, increased war risk premiums, and currency depreciation, all of which have significantly raised overall expenses.
“The surge in global jet fuel prices, rising government-imposed war risk premiums, and exchange rate pressures have significantly increased costs,” Irfan said during a hearing with the House of Representatives’ Commission VIII at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday.
He added that the geopolitical situation may force airlines to reroute flights to avoid conflict zones, further extending travel time and operational costs.
Garuda Indonesia has proposed an additional Rp 7.9 million ($464) per pilgrim, reflecting an estimated four-hour longer travel time and an extra 12,000 tons of jet fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, Saudi Airlines has proposed an additional $480 per pilgrim, based on an aviation fuel price of $1.37 per liter.
According to Irfan, if flight routes remain unchanged, the 2026 Hajj cost would rise to Rp 46.9 million per pilgrim. However, rerouting could push the cost up further to Rp 50.8 million (almost $3,000) per pilgrim.
He added that this year’s Hajj operations are facing increasingly complex global pressures, requiring stronger efficiency measures, tighter coordination, and enhanced mitigation strategies to maintain sustainable financing.
Despite the projected increase, Irfan stressed that the additional burden will not be passed on to pilgrims, following direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto.
“The president expects that any cost increases should not be charged to our Hajj pilgrims,” he said.
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