Parliamentary Commission VIII Raises Concerns Over Flight Route Changes Affecting 2026 Hajj Costs

Members of Commission VIII of the Indonesian Parliament have raised concerns about the possibility of flight route changes affecting the cost of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage. This concern stems from disruptions to airspace in the Middle East caused by the Iran-Israel conflict, which has affected flight schedules to the region.

Commission member Selly Andriany Gantina explained that changes to flight routes directly impact the operational costs of organising the 2026 hajj. She emphasised the importance of discussing and mutually agreeing on any potential changes between the government, through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and Parliament.

“Sending pilgrims must certainly continue, but we must also prepare contingency scenarios, such as flight route changes. When routes change, financing will automatically change too. These cost changes require in-depth discussion and agreement between the ministry and Parliament,” Gantina said during a working meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah on Wednesday, 11 March.

She also addressed discussions regarding possible adjustments to the Hajj Implementation Cost (BPIH) should flight routes be modified. According to her, this aspect requires comprehensive attention to ensure that policies adopted consider various important factors.

Gantina expressed appreciation for several key principles outlined by the government in its discussion document, including pilgrim safety as the top priority and decision-making based on a cautious approach. However, she noted that certain aspects need strengthening, particularly financial planning.

“Pilgrim safety is certainly the top priority and I agree with the cautious approach. However, there is something missing—the financial aspect. We must not discuss safety while neglecting budget considerations,” she explained.

She added that every risk mitigation effort in organising the hajj will have budgetary implications. Therefore, financial planning must be an integral part of the mitigation strategy.

She also reminded that the government’s document already mentioned that flight route changes could potentially affect hajj implementation financing. “Therefore, discussions regarding possible changes to BPIH must be conducted transparently and comprehensively,” she concluded.