EgyptAir has cancelled its Hajj flights to and from Mali, affecting more than 4,000 prospective pilgrims, the country’s pilgrimage organising body announced on Saturday.

The decision comes against the backdrop of a worsening security situation in Mali, where separatist and jihadist groups have intensified attacks on the ruling military junta. Recent large-scale assaults on key military positions reportedly resulted in the death of the country’s defence minister, while insurgents have begun restricting access to parts of the capital, Bamako.

According to the government body overseeing pilgrimage arrangements, the suspension of flights was driven by a combination of rising aviation fuel costs and security concerns.

“The cancellation was due to the cost difference related to the increase in kerosene prices, as well as the security situation in Mali,” the agency said, acknowledging that the development has caused “concern and confusion” among intending pilgrims.

It added that high-level discussions are ongoing to find an immediate solution, assuring affected travelers that efforts are being made to ensure departure under improved conditions.

“All arrangements are being made to ensure the pilgrims depart under the best possible conditions,” the statement said.

The disruption impacts nearly one-third of Mali’s total Hajj quota of 13,323 pilgrims for 2026, allocated under a global system that distributes pilgrimage slots to countries and subsequently to individuals, often through a lottery process.

The annual Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place in Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is expected to begin in the last week of May. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world have already started arriving for the religious rites.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring all Muslims with the financial and physical means to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

The rituals commemorate the final pilgrimage of the Prophet Muhammad and draw millions of believers each year.