List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel

Choosing the right airline is one of the most critical decisions when planning your spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah. Whether you are traveling from London, Manchester, Lahore, or Islamabad, the airline you select will significantly influence your physical state upon arrival.

This comprehensive guide details the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel, comparing their services, costs, and routes to help you make an informed choice for your 2026 pilgrimage.

1. Direct vs. Indirect Airlines: A Strategic Overview

Before diving into the specific List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel, it is important to understand the fundamental differences between these two travel modes.

Direct Airlines

Direct flights take you from your home country straight to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah without any stopovers.

Best for: Families with young children, elderly pilgrims, and those on a tight schedule.

Pros: Shorter travel time (approx. 6–7 hours from the UK; 4–5 hours from Pakistan), less physical exhaustion.

Cons: Generally more expensive and limited to major hubs like London Heathrow or Karachi.

Indirect Airlines

Indirect flights involve at least one layover at the airline's home hub (e.g., Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul).

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and those who want to visit another city as part of a stopover program.

Pros: Significantly cheaper (often saving £200–£300 per ticket), more departure airport options (like Birmingham or Multan).

Cons: Longer travel duration (10–18+ hours), potential fatigue from layovers.

2. Direct Airlines for Umrah Travel

When looking at the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel, direct carriers are often the "gold standard" for comfort.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia)

As the national flag carrier, Saudia is the top choice for many. It offers direct flights from major cities including London, Manchester, Karachi, and Lahore.

Special Features: On-board prayer areas, halal-certified meals, and a dedicated "Umrah" cabin crew familiar with pilgrimage needs.

Baggage: Usually offers a generous allowance, including a free 5-liter bottle of Zamzam water on return.

British Airways (BA)

Operating primarily from London Heathrow to Jeddah, British Airways offers a premium direct service for UK-based pilgrims.

Note: These flights are often seasonal, so checking the schedule on the Nusuk app or airline website is essential.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

For pilgrims from Pakistan, PIA remains a staple in the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel.

Routes: Direct flights from Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, and Karachi to Jeddah and Madinah.

Experience: Familiar language and cultural services, making it ideal for first-time or elderly travelers.

3. Indirect Airlines for Umrah Travel

Indirect carriers dominate the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel due to their competitive pricing and world-class service.

Emirates (Via Dubai)

Emirates is renowned for its luxury and efficiency.

Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Benefit: Excellent transit facilities with dedicated prayer rooms and quiet areas. Many pilgrims choose a "Stopover Package" to spend a few days in Dubai.

Qatar Airways (Via Doha)

Consistently ranked as one of the best airlines in the world, Qatar Airways offers smooth connections through Hamad International Airport.

Routes: Connects virtually all major UK and Pakistan cities to the Holy Land.

Perk: Known for its spacious seating and high-quality in-flight entertainment.

Turkish Airlines (Via Istanbul)

A favorite for those looking for a balance of cost and cultural experience.

Unique Offer: Eligible passengers can enjoy "Touristanbul"—a free guided tour of Istanbul during long layovers.

Spirituality: The Istanbul hub is very pilgrim-friendly, with easy access to halal food and Wudu facilities

4. Low-Cost Carriers (Budget Options)

If budget is your primary concern, several low-cost carriers have recently joined the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel.

5. Comparison Table: Direct vs. Indirect Flight Factors

This table summarizes the trade-offs when choosing from the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel.

6. Practical Tips for Booking Your Umrah Flight

Once you have selected an airline from the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel, follow these tips to ensure a smooth journey:

Check the Airport Code: Ensure your flight lands in JED (Jeddah) if you plan to go to Makkah first, or MED (Madinah) if you are starting your journey in the city of the Prophet ﷺ.

Verify Zamzam Policies: Not all airlines allow you to carry Zamzam for free. Saudia and PIA usually include it, but low-cost carriers like Flynas may charge extra.

Use the Nusuk App: Once you have your flight details, register them on the Nusuk app to secure your Umrah permit and Rawdah visit times.

Ihram Preparation: If you are flying direct to Jeddah, you will cross the Miqat in the air. Wear your Ihram before boarding or during the flight (Saudia will announce the Miqat). If you fly to Madinah first, you do not need Ihram on the plane.

Baggage Allowance: Pilgrims often return with more than they took. Choose an airline from the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel that offers at least 30kg of checked luggage.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I fly into Riyadh for Umrah?

Yes, with a Tourist e-Visa, you can land in any Saudi city. However, you must still travel to Makkah to perform the rituals. Most people choose Jeddah as it is much closer (about 1 hour by car/train).

Which airline is best for elderly pilgrims?

Saudia is generally considered the best in the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel for seniors due to the direct routes and the presence of on-board prayer areas.

Are there direct flights from Birmingham for Umrah?

Currently, most direct flights for Umrah from the UK depart from London Heathrow or Manchester. From Birmingham, you will likely need to use an indirect airline like Emirates or Qatar Airways.

8. Conclusion

Whether you prioritize the speed of a direct flight or the savings of an indirect route, the List of direct & indirect airlines that you can use for umrah travel offers something for everyone. For families, the direct path of Saudia or PIA is often worth the extra cost. For solo travelers or young couples, the luxury and stopover options of Emirates or Turkish Airlines provide excellent value.

Would you like me to help you check the current baggage policies for a specific airline on this list?