- EgyptAir has cancelled all Hajj flights to and from Mali, directly affecting over 4,000 pilgrims scheduled for the 2026 season.
- The decision follows a surge in violence in Mali, where recent large-scale attacks on junta strongholds resulted in the death of the country’s defense minister.
- Beyond security, the airline cited the rising cost of kerosene as a primary factor for the cancellations.
- Mali’s pilgrimage-organizing body stated that high-level discussions are underway to resolve the situation and ensure pilgrims can still depart under favorable conditions.
The cancellation affects nearly one-third of Mali’s total Hajj quota of 13,323 pilgrims. The situation has caused significant concern and confusion among travelers, as the Hajj is scheduled to begin during the final week of May.
Eko Hot Blog reports that jihadist groups have recently escalated their campaign against the ruling junta, including blocking entry points into the capital, Bamako, further complicating international travel and logistics.
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While pilgrims globally are already arriving in Saudi Arabia, Malian officials are working to find alternative arrangements.
The government has urged calm, noting that all possible measures are being taken to honor the permits allocated via the national lottery system and ensure the religious obligation can be fulfilled despite the current regional instability.
