Umrah from Manchester: Flights, Airports & What to Expect

Why Manchester for Umrah

Manchester Airport is the largest airport outside London and the busiest in the north of England. For families in Manchester, Yorkshire, Lancashire and the wider North West, it saves a long journey to Heathrow or Gatwick. The airport handles flights to the Middle East year-round, with several full-service airlines offering routes to Jeddah and Madinah via their hubs.

All Lumarah Umrah packages are priced from Manchester. If you live further afield and prefer a different UK airport, let us know when you request a quote and we can check availability.

Airlines and routes to Jeddah

Full-service airlines fly from Manchester to Jeddah (JED) with one connection, typically through a Gulf or Turkish hub. Common routes include Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) via Riyadh or direct from London with a connecting domestic flight, Emirates via Dubai, and Qatar Airways via Doha. The connection usually adds three to five hours to the journey, so total travel time from Manchester to Jeddah is often around ten to fourteen hours including the layover.

Lumarah packages use full-service airlines only, so your ticket always includes at least a 20kg checked bag and an 8kg cabin bag, a hot meal, and a proper seat pitch. We do not use low-cost carriers such as Pegasus, Wizz Air or easyJet for packages.

Flight schedules and prices change by season. Ramadan and the December school holidays are the busiest periods, with higher fares and fewer seats, so booking early helps.

At Manchester Airport

Check which terminal your airline uses before you leave home; Manchester has three terminals and they are a shuttle ride apart. Arrive at least three hours before departure for an international flight, and check your airline’s baggage allowance so you are not caught out at the desk.

Manchester Airport has prayer rooms in each terminal, usually near the departure gates. They are multi-faith rooms with washing facilities. If you plan to change into Ihram garments at the airport, these rooms are the most private option. Alternatively, some pilgrims change at home before leaving.

Luggage tips for Umrah from Manchester

• Check your airline’s allowance: most full-service carriers give you at least 20kg checked and 7–8kg cabin.
• Pack Ihram garments, medication, a change of clothes and travel documents in your cabin bag, in case checked luggage is delayed.
• Zamzam water is heavy. Many pilgrims buy a sealed container at a Zamzam distribution point in Saudi Arabia and check it in on the return flight. Ask your airline about their Zamzam policy.
• Label all bags clearly with your name, UK phone number and hotel name in Saudi Arabia.
• A compact day bag or drawstring bag is handy for carrying water, snacks and your shoes inside the mosque.

Entering Ihram on the flight

If you are flying to Jeddah for Umrah, you must be in the state of Ihram before the aircraft crosses the miqat boundary. The miqat for air travellers arriving in Jeddah from the north-west is Dhul Hulayfah or Al-Juhfah, and the aircraft passes over it before landing. Because timing depends on the route and wind conditions, most scholars advise entering Ihram before you board or during the flight well before the expected crossing.

Some airlines announce the approach to the miqat, but this is not guaranteed. The safest approach is to change into Ihram garments before you board at Manchester (or at the connecting airport), and to make your intention (niyyah) for Umrah once you are airborne and well before descent into Jeddah. Our Ihram guide explains the rules in detail.

Arriving in Jeddah

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah handles millions of Umrah pilgrims each year. Immigration uses the e-gates for Saudi e-visa holders; have your passport, visa confirmation and return ticket details ready. The process is usually straightforward, but queues can be long during Ramadan and peak season.

After immigration, collect your checked bags and clear customs. There is nothing to declare for normal personal items. Mobile SIM cards and Zamzam water are available in the arrivals hall.

Getting from Jeddah Airport to Makkah

Makkah is roughly 80 kilometres from Jeddah Airport. The most common options are a private transfer (arranged by your travel agent, typically taking about 90 minutes), a shared shuttle (cheaper but slower, as it waits for other passengers), or the Haramain High-Speed Railway from Jeddah to Makkah (a separate station, not at the airport terminal).

Our Umrah packages do not include transfers by default, but you can add a Jeddah Airport to Makkah transfer, a Makkah to Madinah transfer and a Madinah to Madinah Airport transfer as optional extras. Booking all three together is discounted to £180.

Returning home to Manchester

Most Lumarah Umrah itineraries finish in Madinah, so you fly home from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED). Check-in and security are similar to Jeddah. Allow plenty of time, especially during busy periods.

Remember to exit Madinah in good time if your flight is early. If you have booked a Makkah to Jeddah Airport transfer through us, Zubair arranges the pick-up five hours before your last flight out of Jeddah.

Once you are through security, there is usually time to pick up gifts, dates and Zamzam water from the airport shops. Declare any goods above the UK duty-free allowance when you land at Manchester.

Plan your Umrah with Lumarah

Our Umrah packages from Manchester include return flights on full-service airlines, hotels in Makkah and Madinah with breakfast, and the Saudi e-visa. You can add transfers, ziyarat and an Umrah guide as optional extras. Message us with your dates and we will send you a tailored written quote.

Message our UK team on WhatsApp at +44 7950 739581 or email lumarahtravelagency@gmail.com. Tell us your dates, departure airport and who is travelling, and we will send you a tailored Umrah quote in writing. Once you are happy with the quote, you pay by UK bank transfer, by card on Stripe’s secure page in your Lumarah account, or in cash, and we confirm everything in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Related Umrah packages

• Standard Umrah 10 Nights — see live prices from Manchester
• Budget Umrah 7 Nights — see live prices from Manchester
• December School Holidays Umrah — see live prices from Manchester