The announcement of increased H-1B visa fees has caused panic among visa holders in India. Following the news, many rushed to book flights back to the United States. Ticket counters at Delhi and Bengaluru airports witnessed long queues. Airfares shot up sharply, reaching more than triple the usual price.
Trump’s New Executive Order
On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order changing H-1B visa rules. Under the new directive, applicants for an H-1B visa will have to pay $100,000 in fees. The sudden announcement created confusion and fear among workers currently in India.
Many believed the rule would apply immediately to all visa holders. Concerned employees rushed to secure seats on flights to America. Airlines reported an unusual surge in last-minute bookings, which sent ticket prices soaring.
Airfare Skyrockets to Record Levels
Normally, economy class tickets from India to the US cost between ₹40,000 and ₹80,000. Following the announcement, fares touched ₹2.8 lakh for economy class on some routes. Travel agents confirmed that nonstop flights by Air India, United, and American Airlines were almost sold out.
The sudden demand left very few seats available. By Saturday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Delhi to New York was priced at ₹1.05 lakh. By evening, fares increased further, with only one American Airlines flight still showing limited availability.
Amazon and Microsoft Issue Advisories
Adding to the panic were advisories from major technology companies. Amazon and Microsoft reportedly advised H-1B and H-4 visa employees in India to return quickly. Those already in the US were told to remain there until clarity emerged.
These advisories prompted even more visa holders to book urgent tickets. Many feared they might face additional hurdles if they delayed their return. As a result, the rush to airports intensified.
Clarification from the US Government
Later, US authorities clarified that the increased visa fee applies only to new applicants. Existing H-1B holders and those already employed would not be required to pay the new fee. However, this clarification came too late.
By the time the official statement was released, chaos had already gripped ticket counters. Many travelers had already paid inflated fares out of fear. Airlines and travel agencies struggled to handle the sudden surge.
Scenes at Indian Airports
Delhi and Bengaluru airports became hotspots of confusion and urgency. Long queues formed at airline ticket counters as travelers scrambled for seats. Passengers reported standing in line for hours, hoping for confirmation.
A software engineer at Bengaluru airport said he spent six hours contacting airlines and agents. He normally pays ₹70,000 for a round-trip ticket but this time spent ₹2.7 lakh for a single economy seat. Many others shared similar experiences.
Airlines Struggle with Demand
Top travel agencies confirmed that all nonstop flights from India to the US were nearly sold out. Air India had seven direct flights, while United and American Airlines operated one each. By Saturday and Sunday morning, almost all seats were booked.
The rush also affected connecting flights via Europe and the Middle East. Prices surged across airlines as demand exceeded supply. MakeMyTrip, one of India’s largest travel agencies, reported an extraordinary rise in last-minute bookings.
MakeMyTrip Statement
A spokesperson for MakeMyTrip noted that Saturday morning witnessed abnormal booking patterns. Typically, long-haul flights are not booked at the last moment in large numbers. However, this time, bookings surged within hours of the US announcement. The spokesperson added that this situation was unlike anything seen before.
Financial Pressure on Travelers
For many travelers, the sudden expense created severe financial strain. Several passengers admitted borrowing money to buy overpriced tickets. Others said they had no choice but to pay, fearing they might lose jobs if unable to return quickly.
Families of visa holders expressed concern over the uncertainty. Many felt trapped between rising costs and fear of losing their employment in the US.
Impact on Indian IT Professionals
The majority of H-1B visa holders are Indian IT professionals. Many of them had traveled to India for personal reasons. The new visa fee announcement disrupted their plans, forcing a hurried return.
Experts said the panic reflected the dependence of Indian workers on H-1B visas. For decades, the US program has been crucial for Indian engineers and technology workers. Any sudden policy shift affects thousands of families.
Travel Agents React
Travel agents described the situation as unprecedented. Several said they had never witnessed such a sharp fare increase in a single day. Agents struggled to manage calls and requests from desperate travelers.
One agent explained that fares doubled within hours. Seats were being sold faster than airlines could update availability. The panic booking spree continued throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Social Media Reactions
The situation quickly spread on social media platforms. Travelers shared photos of long queues at airports and ticket counters. Many posted screenshots showing skyrocketing fares. Others expressed frustration, calling the situation unfair and stressful.
Some questioned why companies advised employees to return without waiting for clarity. Others criticized the US administration for sudden policy changes.
Economic Impact
The sudden rush had ripple effects on the travel industry. Airlines gained short-term profits from higher fares. However, travelers bore heavy financial losses.
Economists noted that uncertainty in visa rules disrupts both workers and businesses. Such situations affect not just individuals but also bilateral relations between India and the US.
Long-Term Concerns
While the clarification eased fears, questions remain about future H-1B policies. Indian workers continue to worry about the stability of the program. Frequent changes in visa rules create insecurity among professionals.
Companies in the US also face challenges. Sudden disruptions can delay projects and affect productivity. Businesses that rely heavily on skilled Indian workers must now prepare for unpredictable policy shifts.
Broader Implications
The H-1B program has long been a point of debate in American politics. Supporters argue it brings skilled talent to the US. Critics claim it affects domestic employment opportunities.
With rising political pressure, visa holders face continued uncertainty. The latest chaos over fee hikes shows how sensitive the issue has become. For Indian professionals, it underlines the risks of dependence on one program.
The sudden announcement of a $100,000 H-1B visa fee caused panic across India. Long queues at airports, skyrocketing airfares, and desperate bookings defined the weekend. Clarification that the rule applies only to new applicants came too late for many.
Delhi and Bengaluru airports became symbols of the rush, with fares crossing ₹2.8 lakh. Amazon and Microsoft advisories added fuel to the fire, pushing employees to return quickly. Airlines, travel agencies, and passengers were all caught in the chaos.
While the immediate panic may ease, uncertainty around H-1B visas continues. For Indian professionals and companies, the need for stability in visa policies remains urgent. Until then, each announcement will continue to spark fear and disruption.
