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EgyptAir has canceled its hajj flights to and from Mali, directly affecting more than 4,000 people, Mali’s pilgrimage-organizing body said Saturday.
The cancellations come as Mali faces a severe security crisis and higher kerosene prices, according to the government body that helps Malians take part in the pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage-organizing body said the cancellation was due to “the cost difference related to the increase in kerosene prices, as well as the security situation in Mali.”
It acknowledged that the move “naturally causes concern and confusion,” but said talks were taking place to find a quick solution.
Discussions are “underway at a high level,” the body said.
“All arrangements are being made to ensure the pilgrims depart under the best possible conditions,” it added.
The cancellation affects nearly one-third of Mali’s total hajj quota.
Mali was allotted 13,323 pilgrims for the 2026 hajj, while more than 4,000 people were directly impacted by EgyptAir’s decision.
Hajj permits are distributed to countries through a quota system and allocated to individuals by lottery.
Pilgrims from around the world have already begun arriving in Saudi Arabia. The hajj is expected to begin during the last week of May.
All Muslims who have the means are expected to perform the hajj to Mecca at least once in their lives.
During the pilgrimage, believers gather in the holy city for several days of rituals retracing the Prophet Mohammed’s last pilgrimage.
Mali is facing a dire security situation as armed groups target the country’s authoritarian junta.
Large-scale attacks on several junta strongholds last weekend killed the country’s defense minister.
Armed groups have since begun blocking certain entry points into the capital, Bamako.
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