Travelling to the holy cities for Umrah is a divine experience that many Muslims dream of. Performing an Umrah is like a detox for negative energy and thoughts. It is an opportunity for Muslims to ask for forgiveness and blessings from God. For UK pilgrims, having a comforting journey is vital. Choosing the right flight option can affect your overall travel experience. From airline selection to finding suitable transport choices, this blog will give you an overview for the best flight options to consider in your Umrah Packages.
Umrah Importance
Umrah is known to be the minor version of Hajj. It can be performed at any time of the year except the Hajj season. As narrated by Abu Huraira in Sahih Bukhari “The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed. And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise”. Also, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon) in one of the hadiths stated that the reward for performing Umrah is 70 times more than Jihad. This points out the high value of the pilgrimage for the Muslims.
Types of Flights
Before planning for Umrah, it is necessary to learn about different flight classes and types. It will help you to understand which flight suits your needs. Typically, the flights are of 4 types:
Direct: Direct flights travel directly from your departure airport to your destination without any stops. These flights cut down travel time, making them ideal for worry-free travel. Here is a quick peek into direct flight routes
- London Heathrow- Jeddah
- London Heathrow- Madinah
- London Gatwick- Jeddah
- Birmingham- Jeddah
- Birmingham- Madinah
- Manchester- Jeddah
- Manchester- Madinah
Indirect: Indirect flights have a brief rest at one or more connecting airports. The layovers allow the aircraft to be checked for fuel and other issues. Also, it gives you some time to explore that city. While indirect flights may take longer, they offer more reasonable options. Here is a general overview of common flight quotes for indirect flying.
- Birmingham/Manchester/London – Dubai/Doha/Istanbul – Jeddah/Madinah
- Birmingham/Manchester/London – Frankfurt/Paris – Jeddah/Madinah
Short Haul: These flights typically involve a travel time of less than 4-5 hours. For UK Muslims, short-haul flights to Umrah might involve a stopover in a Middle Eastern city. This includes cities like Dubai or Istanbul, before continuing to Makkah or Madinah.
Long-Haul: These flights involve a travel time of over 4-5 hours. For UK Muslims, direct long-haul flights to Jeddah are the most common option, offering a more relaxing journey.
Note: Direct Flights are always short-haul. But not all short-haul flights are direct. Also, long-haul flights can either be direct or indirect. On the other hand, indirect flights always have a little stop at any connecting airport, regardless of the distance travelled.
Types of Airline Classes
The standard classes of every airline are mostly the same. But there can be slight variations depending on aircraft type, seating, airline, and route. Below are some of the typical airline classes UK residents can experience.
Economy: Economy class is well suited for travellers on a low budget. While the seat space may be small with fewer luxury options, economy class still promises you a comforting journey.
Premium Economy: Located in a separate section of airplane, the premium economy offers more relaxing time. You have ample seat space and enough legroom to stretch a bit. Premium economy is a way of enjoying perks at cheap rates.
Business: Business class offers an extra level of comfort and luxury. The seating for this class is quite spacious. Features like wide legroom area and lie-in beds add value in travelling.
First Class: The first most expensive yet luxurious class in the airline. Located in a separate cabin reserved only for exclusive passengers. You can enjoy gourmet dining, personalized care and suites in the first class.
Top Flight Options to Consider for Umrah
When flying to perform Umrah, it is safer to choose popular airlines with strong repo. Listed below are some of the top airlines you can choose.
Emirates: Emirates is traveler’s favourite airline. This airline is suitable for you if you want luxury and style. This airline is renowned for its excellent customer service and top-notch facilities.
- Economy: £400-£800 (round trip)
- Premium Economy: £900- £1400 (round trip)
- Business: £1500-£2500 (round trip)
Saudi Airline: The national carrier of the country provides quality amenities for Muslim pilgrims. This includes halal meals and prayer area. The ticket price for this airline class is listed below:
- Economy: £450-£900 (round trip)
- Premium Economy: £900- £1400 (round trip)
- Business: £1800-£2800 (round trip)
British Airways: A well-established airline with a strong image of reliability and high-quality service. British Airways has comfortable cabins and in-flight entertainment options. The ticket price for British Airways is:
- Economy: £500-£1000 (round trip)
- Premium Economy: £1000- £1500 (round trip)
- Business: £2000-£3000 (round trip)
Qatar Airways: Known for its state-of-the-art airport in Doha. This airline delivers a memorable travel journey. Qatar Airways ticket for one complete round trip is:
- Economy: £450-£900
- Premium Economy: £900- £1400
- Business: £1800-£2800
Tips for Safe Travelling
- Book your flight in advance to get the best deals, especially during the high travel season.
- Search for trust-worthy travel agencies with excellent customer reviews and range of services offered.
- Select the desirable airline based on factors like services given, travel expenses, luggage fees, seating arrangement etc.
- Pack all necessary items like medications and other travel documents.
- Save yourself from unexpected events like flight cancellation with travel insurance. It will cover all your expenses and needs.
You can also avail transportation facilities in your Family Umrah Packages after arriving in Makkah or Madinah. The most common types of transport options available are
- Taxis: Muslims coming from the UK can hail a cab to reach any of the two holy cities. Local taxis or Uber cabs can be used to have a safe trip.
- Buses: If looking for an elegant trip, pilgrims can arrive at Makkah or Madinah via public buses, especially for Umrah travellers.
- Shuttle Train: British Muslims can use Express Haramain (Haramain High-Speed) train to quickly get to Makkah from Madinah. They can reach Makkah in about 2 hours 40 minutes.
It is an ideal option for handicapped people and infants. It is popular for its low-ticket cost. It does not matter what Umrah packages 2025 you have. Shuttle trains are easily available for both business and economic flight passengers.
Conclusion
Travelling to the holy cities for Umrah is a life-changing moment for British Muslims. Therefore, it is important to look for appropriate flight options that align with your Umrah packages. Remember, the success of your spiritual trip not only depends on flying choices, it also lies on careful planning and preparation.
