Bishkek, March 10, 2026 /Kabar/. Due to the escalating situation in the Middle East, Kyrgyzstan has temporarily suspended the organization of the Umrah (minor Hajj) pilgrimage. This decision was made as a security measure until the situation in the region stabilizes.
On March 7, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (Muftiate) held an interdepartmental meeting with the participation of government agencies, airlines, and travel agencies.
Deputy Mufti Zholdoshbek Abdyldayev told Kabar that issues of citizen safety and logistics were discussed at the meeting.
"Airlines are calculating the expenses of citizens who have already purchased tickets. Companies have been advised to temporarily suspend tours, as the evacuation of citizens from the Middle East is currently underway, and sending people there makes no sense. The resumption date for travel is still unknown; the final decision will be made by the government," Abdyldayev noted.
It is noted that due to the cancellation of flights via Kuwait and Dubai, Kyrgyzstanis are returning home via Turkey and Uzbekistan. Some pilgrims are purchasing return tickets themselves.
According to preliminary data, 6,231 people were participating in the lesser pilgrimage; the exact number is currently being determined. The government is taking measures to organize evacuation for those still remaining in the region.
Furthermore, Muftiate noted that preparations for the greater pilgrimage are continuing as usual. Trips are scheduled for late May and June. No official notification has been received from Saudi Arabia regarding the possible cancellation of the Hajj.
The situation in the region escalated following the strikes on Iran on February 28, to which Tehran responded by launching missiles and drones toward US military bases in several Arab countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. A number of flights in the region have still not resumed. A temporary interdepartmental headquarters has been established in Kyrgyzstan to help compatriots return home.