In the wake of President Donald Trump's recent proclamation concerning H-1B visas, a reported surge in airfares between the U.S. and India has sparked controversy. The new guidelines, which initially caused widespread confusion, led to some H-1B holders scrambling to return to the U.S. before a perceived deadline. This situation has also coincided with reports of users on the anonymous online platform 4Chan allegedly attempting to artificially inflate flight prices, an effort they've dubbed "Operation Clog the Toilet".
Trump's proclamation, issued on Friday, September 19, 2025, introduced a new fee structure for H-1B visas, requiring companies to pay $100,000 per visa holder. The initial interpretation of these guidelines suggested that H-1B holders needed to be in the U.S. before 12:01 a.m. EDT (9:31 a.m. IST) on September 21, 2025, or face the hefty charge. This created an immediate sense of urgency among Indian tech workers, who constitute a significant portion of H-1B visa holders.
The announcement triggered chaos and confusion. Reports surfaced of Indian tech workers disembarking from flights and mass flight cancellations, fearing the new restrictions. Within two hours of Trump's statement, the cost of a one-way ticket from New Delhi to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport reportedly jumped from approximately ₹37,000 to ₹70,000–80,000. Some social media users claimed that flights from New Delhi to NYC were as high as $4,500.
Amidst this scramble, users on 4Chan, an anonymous message board, allegedly coordinated efforts to inflate airfares, aiming to inconvenience Indians seeking to return to the U.S. before the perceived deadline. A post on 4Chan reportedly detailed a plan to flood Google Flights with searches for common India-US routes, with the intention of clogging the reservation system. This alleged effort was labeled "Operation Clog the Toilet".
However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that the $100,000 fee would not apply to those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside the country. Leavitt stated on X that the fee is a one-time payment applicable only to new petitions. This clarification aimed to assure H-1B holders that their ability to re-enter the U.S. would not be impacted.
Despite the White House's clarification, the initial confusion had already created a ripple effect. Tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft reportedly advised their H-1B employees to return to the U.S. immediately. Travel agents observed a surge in last-minute flight bookings to the U.S.
The situation also sparked outrage and concern among Indians, with many calling the move a barrier to the "American dream". Some experts suggested the increased costs could hurt the U.S. more than India, as Indian IT firms already employ a significant number of locals in the U.S.
While the alleged "Operation Clog the Toilet" by 4Chan users added another layer of complexity to the situation, the primary driver of the airfare surge appears to be the uncertainty and confusion surrounding the Trump administration's H-1B visa announcement. The incident highlights the precarious position of many foreign workers in the U.S. and the potential impact of policy changes on their lives and careers.
It is important to note that Air India has stated they have not seen a noticeable trend in increased flight bookings.
