Aviation Fuel Rises 30%, Government Ensures Cost Increase Not Passed to Pilgrims

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has acknowledged the potential for increased flight costs following a 30% spike in aviation fuel prices. However, the government has emphasised that this rise will not be passed on to Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. Head of Public Relations at Kemenhaj, Hasan Affandi, stated that the increase in aircraft fuel prices could indeed impact airline operational costs. “There is a possibility of flight cost increases due to avtur. The government is striving to ensure that this cost rise is not borne by the pilgrims,” Hasan said when contacted by Republika.co.id on Tuesday (7/4/2026). Kemenhaj is preparing various mitigation steps to prevent the avtur price hike from disrupting the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage arrangements, particularly regarding the expenses that pilgrims must cover. Previously, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak also assured that the government has anticipated global energy price fluctuations, including the avtur increase, which is a key component of Hajj flight costs. “Regarding the aviation fuel price rise, both the Saudi side and ours can still manage it well. Clearly, from the Indonesian government’s side, it will not be burdened on Indonesian Hajj pilgrims,” Dahnil told Republika.co.id on Thursday (2/4/2026).