Garuda and Saudi Airlines Request Additional Fees, Hajj Becoming More Expensive?

Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia (Menhaj), Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has disclosed a sharp rise in Hajj flight costs resulting from increased aviation fuel prices and exchange rate fluctuations. According to Gus Irfan, his familiar nickname, this cost pressure has led airlines to propose substantial adjustments. He stated that Garuda Indonesia has proposed an additional fee of Rp 974.8 billion, while Saudi Airlines has requested Rp 802.8 billion. “In aggregate, the total cost has surged from Rp 6.69 trillion to Rp 8.46 trillion, an increase of Rp 1.77 trillion,” said Gus Irfan during a working meeting with the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (14/4/2026). Nevertheless, Gus Irfan emphasised that President Prabowo Subianto has instructed that these cost increases should not be passed on to Hajj pilgrims. The government is currently seeking an appropriate financing scheme in line with regulations. He explained that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is now coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office and relevant parties to confirm the force majeure status and the legality of the additional funding sources. “There are several alternatives, all ready. It just depends on our coordination with the Attorney General’s Office regarding the status and legality of the funding sources,” he said.