Umrah Flights Soar as Jet Fuel Prices Jump 82%
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Airfares for Umrah-bound pilgrims have surged sharply following a steep rise in global aviation fuel prices, with airlines warning that additional surcharges may be introduced if the trend persists.
Industry sources said the development comes after an 82 per cent increase in jet fuel prices, forcing airlines to adjust ticket fares across several international routes, including those serving Saudi Arabia.
Economy class tickets for Umrah travel have already risen by nearly 45 per cent, significantly increasing the cost burden for intending pilgrims.
Major Saudi carriers, including Saudia and Flynas, have indicated that further fare adjustments could occur should fuel costs remain elevated in the coming weeks.
READ ALSO: https://hajjgazette.com/middle-east-tour-operators-decry-surge-in-umrah-flight-costs/
The development reinforces concerns earlier raised by Nigerian private tour operators who recently decried the sharp spike in Umrah flight ticket prices, warning that the situation was already placing financial pressure on pilgrims and travel agencies.
The operators had noted that ticket prices, which previously ranged between N1.5 million and N2 million, had climbed to between N2.8 million and N3 million, largely due to operational disruptions and rerouting of flights across parts of the Middle East.
The latest surge in aviation fuel prices is expected to compound the situation.
Travel logistics have also become more complex. Aviation sources say some Nigerian pilgrims are now being routed through Istanbul before connecting onward to Madinah, significantly extending travel time.
Flights that previously took about four hours on direct routes are now stretching to between 10 and 11 hours, depending on transit schedules.
Industry stakeholders say the longer routes are partly linked to ongoing airspace adjustments across parts of the Middle East, which have forced airlines to alter traditional flight paths.
Pilgrims planning Umrah in the coming weeks have therefore been advised to book flights early and confirm travel arrangements in advance, as prices and schedules may continue to fluctuate if fuel costs remain volatile.
