Hajj 2026: the USA-Israel war against Iran increases the costs of the pilgrimage

The war against Iran launched by Israel and the United States has direct consequences for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026. Rising tensions in the Middle East have led to a sharp increase in the price of airline fuel, which has jumped by more than 70% since the end of February. This situation weighs heavily on the cost of travel to Mecca. In India, where the State traditionally regulates Hajj prices, the authorities have announced an increase in fees for pilgrims. Each traveler will have to pay around 10,000 rupees extra (nearly $105), due to demands from airlines facing rising fuel costs. The total cost of the pilgrimage can now reach around $4,300.

This decision has attracted strong criticism. Religious and political leaders denounce an unfair measure, which especially penalizes the poorest Muslims. For many, the Hajj represents a lifelong project, requiring years of savings. Some even had to abandon their trip this year because of this increase. Airlines, for their part, explain that the increase is difficult to avoid. Between the cost of fuel, security risks and air route adjustments, their expenses have increased significantly, which is reflected in tickets.

Other countries are also affected. In Indonesia, for example, the government has chosen not to increase prices for pilgrims. But that means the state will have to bear significant additional costs, estimated at more than $100 million. This situation could reduce the number of worshipers able to perform the Hajj this year. Even if quotas are set by Saudi Arabia, not all candidates will necessarily be able to afford to leave, due to rising costs. The Hajj nevertheless remains a fundamental pillar of Islam, bringing together nearly two million faithful to Mecca each year. This year, it should take place towards the end of May, in a particularly tense international context.