Umrah Flight Schedule 2025: Best Airlines & Travel Guide

Introduction

For Muslims worldwide, Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj. However, selecting the right airline, understanding baggage policies, visa requirements, and seasonal pricing can make your trip to Mecca and Medina smooth and stress-free.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Umrah flight schedule for 2025, the best airlines, and essential travel tips for pilgrims.

Umrah Flight Schedule 2025: Expected Travel Periods

Flights for Umrah 2025 operate year-round, but specific peak seasons see higher demand, impacting ticket prices and availability.

Peak Seasons for Umrah Travel

✅ Ramadan (March – April 2025) – One of the most sought-after times to perform Umrah.
✅ Winter Season (December 2024 – February 2025) – Cooler weather makes it ideal for pilgrims.
✅ Hajj Off-Season (After July 2025) – More affordable flights with fewer crowds.

Key Flight Schedules for 2025

✔ January – March: Steady flight availability with mid-range pricing.
✔ April – May: High demand during Ramadan, requiring early booking.
✔ June – August: Fewer flights as airlines shift focus to Hajj services.
✔ September – December: Prices drop, making it one of the best times for budget-friendly Umrah trips.

📌 Tip: Book your flights 3-6 months in advance during peak Umrah seasons to secure better deals.

Best Airlines for Umrah Travel in 2025

Choosing the right airline for Umrah travel in 2025 is essential for a comfortable and stress-free journey. Several international and regional airlines offer Umrah-specific flight services, ensuring smooth travel experiences with direct and connecting routes to Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport – JED) and Medina (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport – MED).

Whether you prefer luxury travel, budget-friendly options, or direct routes, this guide covers the best airlines for Umrah in 2025, helping you make the right choice based on convenience, pricing, and added benefits for pilgrims.

1. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) 🇸🇦

✔ Official national carrier of Saudi Arabia, offering specialized Hajj and Umrah flights.
✔ Direct flights to Jeddah & Medina from major cities across the world, including Pakistan, India, the UK, and the US.
✔ Extra baggage allowance specifically for Umrah pilgrims, including the Zamzam water quota.
✔ Dedicated check-in counters for Umrah travelers at Jeddah and Medina airports.
✔ Special onboard facilities such as Islamic announcements, prayer spaces, and in-flight meals suited for Muslim travelers.

📌 Best for: Pilgrims looking for a direct flight experience with premium Umrah services.

2. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) 🇵🇰

✔ Preferred choice for Pakistani pilgrims due to extensive non-stop Umrah flights from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Multan.
✔ Budget-friendly fares with group discounts for Umrah travelers.
✔ Flexible booking options for large families and group travelers.
✔ Offers special Umrah promotions, including visa and hotel package deals with travel agents.

📌 Best for: Pakistani pilgrims seeking direct, affordable flights with generous baggage allowances.

3. Emirates & Flydubai 🇦🇪

✔ Emirates (full-service airline) and Flydubai (low-cost airline) offer one-stop flights via Dubai to Jeddah & Medina.
✔ Exclusive Umrah travel packages, including airport transfers and premium accommodations.
✔ Business and first-class options available with priority boarding and lounge access.
✔ Special onboard services such as halal meals, Islamic prayer announcements, and Arabic-speaking flight attendants.

📌 Best for: Travelers who want a high-end flying experience or budget-friendly options via Flydubai.

4. Qatar Airways 🇶🇦

✔ Seamless connectivity to Jeddah & Medina via Doha, offering short layovers.
✔ Flexible booking policies, making it easier to reschedule or change travel dates if needed.
✔ Premium economy and business-class seating for a comfortable journey.
✔ Loyalty rewards (Avios points) for frequent travelers, redeemable for discounts or upgrades.
✔ Onboard entertainment and prayer facilities designed for Muslim travelers.

📌 Best for: Pilgrims looking for a luxurious yet reasonably priced flight option.

5. Air India & IndiGo 🇮🇳

✔ Direct flights to Jeddah from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
✔ Affordable fares for Indian pilgrims, with extra baggage allowances for religious travel.
✔ Onboard halal meal services tailored to Umrah travelers.
✔ IndiGo (low-cost airline) provides budget-friendly Umrah travel options.

📌 Best for: Indian pilgrims looking for affordable flights with direct access to Saudi Arabia.

6. Turkish Airlines & EgyptAir 🌍

✔ Turkish Airlines: Offers stopovers in Istanbul, allowing Umrah pilgrims to explore Turkey before heading to Saudi Arabia.
✔ EgyptAir: Budget-friendly flights with layovers in Cairo, making it a cost-effective choice for Umrah pilgrims.
✔ Special Umrah flight services, including prayer announcements, halal meals, and Arabic-speaking cabin crew.
✔ Smooth transit options with minimal layover times.

📌 Best for: Pilgrims looking for budget-friendly routes with stopover sightseeing opportunities.

7. Etihad Airways & Gulf Air ✈

✔ Etihad Airways (UAE) & Gulf Air (Bahrain) provide smooth connections via Abu Dhabi and Manama.
✔ Competitive pricing for Umrah group bookings.
✔ Convenient layovers with access to prayer rooms and halal food in airport lounges.

📌 Best for: Travelers seeking alternative routes to Jeddah & Medina with premium services.

How to Choose the Right Airline for Umrah?

✈ For Direct Flights: Choose Saudia or PIA.
✈ For Budget-Friendly Options: Fly with IndiGo, EgyptAir, or Flydubai.
✈ For Comfort & Luxury: Opt for Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Turkish Airlines.
✈ For Convenient Layovers: Consider Etihad, Gulf Air, or Turkish Airlines.

📌 Tip: Compare flight schedules, baggage allowances, and in-flight services before booking your Umrah tickets.

Baggage Allowance for Umrah Travelers

Baggage Allowance for Umrah Travelers in 2025

When traveling for Umrah, understanding baggage policies is crucial to ensure a smooth journey. Most airlines offer special baggage allowances for Umrah passengers, including extra luggage space for Zamzam water upon return. However, baggage limits vary based on the airline, class of travel, and departure country.

Below is a detailed breakdown of general baggage policies, additional allowances, and important tips for Umrah travelers.

General Baggage Policies for Umrah Flights

Different airlines have varying weight limits for checked and carry-on baggage. Here’s what most airlines typically allow:

1. Economy Class Baggage Allowance

✔ Checked Baggage: 30-35 kg (may vary by airline)
✔ Carry-On Baggage: 7-10 kg
✔ Allowed Items: Clothing, toiletries, religious essentials, and small personal items

2. Business Class Baggage Allowance

✔ Checked Baggage: 40-50 kg
✔ Carry-On Baggage: 10-15 kg
✔ Additional Perks: Priority handling, extra baggage flexibility

3. Extra Zamzam Water Allowance

✔ Most airlines allow 5-10 liters of Zamzam water per passenger on return flights
✔ Must be properly sealed in an airline-approved container
✔ Separate from regular baggage allowance (does not count toward weight limits)

📌 Tip: Always confirm baggage allowances with your airline before booking to avoid extra fees or last-minute surprises.

Baggage Policies by Major Airlines for Umrah Travelers

Each airline has specific baggage rules for Umrah passengers. Below are the most common allowances by airline:

1. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia)

✔ Economy Class: 35 kg checked baggage + 8 kg carry-on
✔ Business Class: 40-50 kg checked baggage + 12 kg carry-on
✔ Zamzam Water Allowance: 10 liters per passenger

2. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

✔ Economy Class: 30 kg checked baggage + 7 kg carry-on
✔ Business Class: 40 kg checked baggage + 10 kg carry-on
✔ Zamzam Water Allowance: 5 liters per passenger

3. Emirates & Flydubai

✔ Economy Class: 30 kg checked baggage + 7 kg carry-on
✔ Business Class: 40-50 kg checked baggage + 10 kg carry-on
✔ Zamzam Water Allowance: 5 liters per passenger

4. Qatar Airways

✔ Economy Class: 35 kg checked baggage + 7 kg carry-on
✔ Business Class: 40-50 kg checked baggage + 12 kg carry-on
✔ Zamzam Water Allowance: 5 liters per passenger

5. Turkish Airlines & EgyptAir

✔ Economy Class: 30-32 kg checked baggage + 8 kg carry-on
✔ Business Class: 40-50 kg checked baggage + 10 kg carry-on
✔ Zamzam Water Allowance: 5-10 liters per passenger

📌 Tip: Some airlines charge extra for additional baggage, so if you plan to shop in Saudi Arabia, consider pre-purchasing extra baggage allowance to save on excess luggage fees.

Additional Baggage Considerations for Umrah Travelers

1. Rules for Carrying Zamzam Water

✔ Zamzam water must be packed in a special airline-approved container
✔ Pilgrims cannot carry Zamzam water in hand luggage due to liquid restrictions
✔ Zamzam water is separately tagged at Saudi airports for easy identification

📌 Tip: Most airlines provide pre-packaged Zamzam bottles at the airport for free or a small fee.

2. Excess Baggage Fees for Umrah Flights

✔ Airlines charge extra fees if baggage exceeds weight limits
✔ Fees vary from $5 to $20 per extra kilogram, depending on the airline
✔ Some airlines allow pre-booking additional baggage at discounted rates

📌 Tip: If you need extra baggage, buy an additional baggage allowance in advance to save money.

3. Prohibited Items in Checked & Carry-On Baggage

✔ Flammable substances, aerosols, sharp objects, and power banks are not allowed in checked luggage
✔ Liquids over 100 ml cannot be carried in hand luggage (except for prescribed medications)
✔ Certain food items (like dairy and meat) may be restricted on return flights

📌 Tip: Always check with your airline regarding prohibited items to avoid delays at security checkpoints.

Final Tips for Umrah Baggage Planning

✔ Weigh your bags before departure to ensure you meet airline limits.
✔ Use lightweight luggage to maximize your baggage allowance.
✔ Label your bags with your name & contact details to avoid lost baggage issues.
✔ Keep important documents (passport, visa, tickets) in your carry-on for easy access.
✔ Consider buying an extra suitcase in Saudi Arabia for gifts and shopping.

By understanding baggage rules and preparing in advance, you can ensure a stress-free Umrah journey with no baggage surprises at the airport!

Visa Requirements for Umrah in 2025

All pilgrims must obtain an Umrah visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. The process is now more streamlined with e-visa options for many nationalities.

Types of Umrah Visas Available

✔ Umrah Visa: Valid for 90 days, allowing pilgrims to perform Umrah.
✔ Tourist Visa: Allows Umrah without an agent, valid for one year with multiple entries.
✔ Transit Visa: Available for short Umrah visits with a 48-hour to 96-hour stay.

Required Documents for Umrah Visa

✅ Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
✅ Recent Passport-Sized Photos (white background)
✅ Confirmed Return Flight Ticket
✅ Hotel Booking in Mecca & Medina
✅ Vaccination Certificate (for meningitis & COVID-19)

📌 Tip: If booking through an Umrah agent, ensure they are licensed and approved by Saudi authorities.

Seasonal Pricing for Umrah Flights

The cost of Umrah flights varies based on season, airline, and departure city.

Estimated Airfare for Umrah 2025

💰 Low Season (September – February)
✔ Economy: $400 – $800
✔ Business Class: $1,200+

💰 High Season (Ramadan & December Holidays)
✔ Economy: $900 – $1,500
✔ Business Class: $2,000+

📌 Tip: Consider booking round-trip flights for better savings.

Additional Travel Tips for Umrah Pilgrims

✔ Choose Direct Flights – Reduces travel time and fatigue.
✔ Stay Hydrated – Carry a refillable water bottle for long-haul flights.
✔ Plan for Layovers – Check airport prayer rooms and halal meal options.
✔ Download the Nusuk App – A digital Umrah guide for pilgrims.
✔ Carry Essential Medications – Pack required medicines with a doctor’s prescription.

Final Thoughts

Planning for Umrah in 2025 requires careful selection of airlines, understanding baggage allowances, securing the right visa, and booking at the right time to get the best fares. Whether you’re flying from Pakistan, India, the UK, the US, or any other country, following this guide ensures a comfortable and rewarding pilgrimage.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Peak Season: Ramadan & Winter months see higher fares.
• Best Airlines: Saudia, PIA, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air India.
• Baggage: 30-35 kg economy, extra Zamzam allowance on return.
• Visa: Apply 3-4 weeks in advance, ensure vaccination proof.

Book your Umrah flights early to secure the best deals and ensure a spiritually fulfilling journey!