Airfares to Jeddah from Hyderabad skyrocket

Hyderabad: Ahead of the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca, airlines have increased their fares for flights between Hyderabad and Jeddah. The current direct flight tickets are priced between Rs 38,000 and Rs 57,000, a rise from the usual charges of Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,000.
If that's not all, passengers planning their return journey after June 10, post-Haj pilgrimage, will need to pay Rs 55,000 to Rs 57,000 for air tickets on direct flights to Hyderabad. While Delhi and Mumbai benefit from 5 to 7 daily flights, Hyderabad operates only a single direct flight to Jeddah on most days, which serves as the nearest airport to Mecca where Haj takes place.
According to Haj travel operators, the Saudi govt's reduction in quota by 80% for private travel operators has created a supply shortage against high demand. The operators are experiencing difficulties in fulfilling their commitments to previously registered pilgrims due to this restricted allocation. The city has more than 100 Haj travel operators, with each receiving about 50 slots for pilgrims.
"The Saudi govt's recent ruling has created uncertainty regarding pilgrim selection and cancellations. The heavy demand has further pushed the airfares. Additionally, the unexpected restriction on children under 12 years has impacted families planning the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Minority Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs need to negotiate with Saudi authorities for an increased quota before Haj begins," said Khaja Shakeel, owner of Yaseen Overseas Umrah Haj Travel Agency Services.
Packages cost up to Rs 8 lakh
Some travel operators are offering 15-day Haj pilgrimage packages ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per person. "The package prices vary according to the accommodation choices and amenities selected by pilgrims in Mecca. We arranged bookings for around 300 pilgrims through different agencies, with all available slots being filled prior to Ramzan," said Mohammed Afzhal from Arfath Tours Haj & Umrah Group.
"I, along with my spouse, secured a Haj reservation with a private tour operator for Rs 5 lakh each. Anticipating heavy demand, I approached the Haj organisers in January. Considering the present level of demand, my early booking proved to be a wise choice," said the 63-year-old resident of Chandanagar.
Meanwhile, the Telangana Haj Committee has finalised plans to accommodate 6,984 pilgrims from the state, selected from more than 9,000 applications. "The committee has scheduled pilgrim departures beginning April 29. Each pilgrim is required to pay Rs 3.46 lakh, which encompasses air travel, visa fees, 'Qurbani', and lodging expenses. Additionally, the committee has received 4,000 Haj applications from neighbouring states including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra," said Telangana Haj Committee chairman Maulana Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani.