Hajj cost surges amid Iran conflict and regional travel disruptions

The ongoing conflict involving Iran has led to a sharp rise in Hajj-related expenses this year, according to a report published on Wednesday by news website Semafor Gulf.

The report stated that the conflict has increased costs associated with the world’s largest annual religious gathering, with travel package prices rising between three and four times ahead of departure due to limited flight availability across the Gulf region and disruptions to supply routes.

It further noted that governments including those of Indonesia, Pakistan and Malaysia have introduced subsidies to ease the growing financial burden on pilgrims and help contain costs ahead of the annual pilgrimage to Makkah.

The main Hajj rituals are set to begin next week in Makkah. Last year, nearly 1.6 million Muslims performed Hajj, with the largest numbers of pilgrims arriving from Indonesia, Pakistan and India.

Many governments organise and subsidise Hajj travel, while some are also absorbing additional operational expenses.

Indonesia reportedly covered an additional $107 million in airline-related costs to shield its 221,000 pilgrims from price increases.

Pakistan and Malaysia have also extended subsidies, while India imposed an additional $100 surcharge, citing rising aviation fuel costs.

Religious tourism forms a central part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, under which the Kingdom is investing heavily in airports, transport infrastructure and hospitality services linked to Hajj and Umrah.