Every year, thousands of Muslims from the UK set out on the sacred journey of Umrah. While accommodation and visa costs are essential considerations, one of the biggest expenses is flights from UK airports to Jeddah and Madinah. For many families and individuals, finding Cheap Umrah Flights from UK Airports can make the difference between an affordable and a costly pilgrimage.
The good news is that with the right planning, timing, and booking strategies, UK pilgrims can save hundreds of pounds on airfare. In this guide, we’ll explore when and where to book, which airlines offer the best deals, and practical tips to help you secure cheap Umrah flights from UK airports without compromising comfort and convenience.
Table of Contents
Why Flight Costs Matter for UK Pilgrims
Flights are often the largest single expense in an Umrah trip. A return flight from London to Jeddah can range anywhere between £450 and £800, depending on the season. For a family of four, this difference can add up to more than £1,000 in savings.
By securing affordable Umrah flights from UK, pilgrims can:
- Allocate more of their budget to accommodation closer to the Haramain.
- Extend their stay in Makkah or Madinah.
- Cover additional costs like transportation, meals, or Ziyarah tours.
This is why researching and booking cheap Umrah flights from UK airports is crucial for anyone planning this spiritual journey.
Cheapest Times of the Year to Book Umrah Flights
Flight costs vary dramatically based on season and demand. To secure low-cost flights to Jeddah and Madinah, UK pilgrims should keep these seasonal trends in mind:
- Ramadan: Prices peak, especially during the last 10 nights. Expect £700–£1,000 round trips.
- December Holidays: High demand from UK families increases costs.
- Summer Break (July–August): Expensive due to school holidays.
- Off-Peak (January–March, September–November): Best time for cheap Umrah flights from UK airports, with fares as low as £420–£500.
Tip: Book at least 10–12 weeks in advance to lock in cheaper rates before demand rises.
Direct vs Indirect Flights – Which Is Cheaper?
When searching for cheap Umrah flights from UK airports, one key decision is whether to book a direct or indirect flight.
| Flight Type | Pros | Cons | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Flights | Faster (6–7 hours), no stopovers, less hassle. Ideal for elderly & families. | Usually more expensive. | £550–£800 |
| Indirect Flights | Significantly cheaper, often £100–£200 less. | Longer travel time (10–14 hours), stopovers in Istanbul, Doha, Dubai. | £420–£650 |
If budget is your top priority, indirect flights are the cheapest. However, for those with limited time or travelling with children, direct flights offer convenience worth the extra cost.
Major UK Airports Offering Cheap Umrah Flights
Pilgrims from the UK have several departure points to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of the best UK airports for finding cheap Umrah flights:
1. London Heathrow & Gatwick
- Most flight options to Jeddah and Madinah.
- Airlines: Saudia, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates.
- Prices: Starting from £450 off-peak.
2. Manchester Airport
- Popular with Northern UK pilgrims.
- Airlines: Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways.
- Prices: Around £480–£700 depending on season.
3. Birmingham Airport
- Increasingly offering competitive Umrah routes.
- Airlines: Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways.
- Prices: From £470 off-peak.
4. Edinburgh & Glasgow
- Limited direct options, but affordable via connecting flights.
- Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways.
- Prices: From £500–£650.
Pro Tip: Compare multiple airports nearby. Sometimes travelling from London can save £150 compared to Birmingham or Manchester.
Airlines Providing Affordable Umrah Options
Several airlines offer competitive rates for pilgrims seeking cheap Umrah flights from UK airports:
- Saudia (Saudi Airlines): Direct flights to Jeddah & Madinah, reliable, mid-range pricing.
- British Airways: Direct London to Jeddah (seasonal), slightly higher prices but convenient.
- Turkish Airlines: Popular indirect option with a stopover in Istanbul, very affordable.
- Qatar Airways: Stopover in Doha, excellent service, often cheaper than direct.
- Emirates: Dubai stopover, great comfort, mid-high price range.
- Etihad Airways: Via Abu Dhabi, competitive fares.
For budget-focused travelers, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways are often the best choices.
How to Compare Prices and Find the Best Deals
To secure cheap Umrah flights from UK airports, comparison is key. Use trusted platforms:
- Skyscanner – Great for flexible dates.
- Google Flights – Clear calendar view of cheapest days.
- Travel Supermarket – UK-based comparison site.
- [Official airline websites] – Sometimes cheaper than agents.
Tip: Always compare at least 3–4 platforms before booking.
Tips for Booking Cheap Umrah Flights from UK Airports
- Book Early: 2–3 months before departure is ideal.
- Be Flexible: Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) are often £50–£100 cheaper.
- Avoid Peak Seasons: Choose January–March or September–November.
- Consider Nearby Airports: A short train ride to London may save you £200+.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Many travel sites let you track falling prices.
- Check Package Deals: Sometimes combining flights + hotels offers better value.
Common Mistakes Pilgrims Make When Booking Flights
- Booking Too Late: Prices spike closer to departure.
- Not Checking Baggage Rules: Some budget airlines charge high fees for extra luggage.
- Ignoring Stopover Times: Long layovers can add 10+ hours to your journey.
- Focusing Only on Price: Cheap tickets with poor timings can cause stress.
By avoiding these mistakes, pilgrims can secure affordable Umrah flights from UK airports without hidden surprises.
Real-Life Experiences of UK Pilgrims Finding Cheap Flights
Many UK pilgrims share positive experiences of saving money by being flexible.
- Example 1: A family from Birmingham booked Turkish Airlines 3 months early and paid £480 per ticket, saving £800 compared to Saudia direct flights.
- Example 2: A solo traveler from London used Skyscanner alerts and grabbed a Qatar Airways ticket for £450 in February.
- Example 3: A group from Manchester booked during Ramadan and paid nearly £900 per ticket, highlighting why avoiding peak seasons is essential.
These stories prove that with research and planning, cheap Umrah flights from UK airports are very achievable.
Conclusion
Finding cheap Umrah flights from UK airports to Jeddah and Madinah requires planning, flexibility, and smart booking strategies. By choosing the right time, comparing multiple airlines, and avoiding peak seasons, UK pilgrims can save hundreds of pounds on airfare—making their pilgrimage more affordable and stress-free.
Are you planning Umrah soon? Check out our latest discounted Umrah packages departing from London, Manchester, and Birmingham—carefully designed for UK pilgrims who want value without compromise.
