It is, alongside the likes of London and Birmingham, one of the UK’s most active Umrah departure points. Tens of thousands of British Muslims make the pilgrimage from Manchester Airport each year for Umrah, with direct and one-stop connections available to Jeddah, as well as Madinah. If you’re plotting your pilgrimage from the North of England, here’s what you really need to know before you book and before you board.
What Makes Manchester so Helpful for Umrah Pilgrims
It’s not just about convenience. Flying from Manchester is genuinely less stressful for pilgrims in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and parts of the Midlands. You’re not spending three hours driving south to Heathrow and then on a six-hour plane ride. That makes a difference when you’re travelling with aged parents or small kids.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are home to several airlines operating Saudi routes, with Manchester Airport accounting for more than 100 International Direct Routes. Knowing what terminal your airline flies from saves a lot of the confusion on departure day, especially if family members are dropping you off.
Airlines From Manchester to Saudi Arabia
Here are the key carriers that fly pilgrims from Manchester:
| Airline | Route | Approx. Flight Time | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Airlines (Saudia) | MAN to JED/MED | 6.5h direct | Nonstop (seasonal) | Preferred for Umrah season |
| Turkish Airlines | MAN via IST to JED | 9-11h | 1 stop | Reliable year-round service |
| Qatar Airways | MAN via DOH to JED | 9-10h | 1 stop | Business class popular with families |
| Emirates | MAN via DXB to JED | 10-12h | 1 stop | Good baggage allowance |
| Fly Dubai / Air Arabia | MAN via DXB/SHJ to JED | 11-13h | 1 stop | Budget-friendly option |
Direct Saudia flights are seasonal and hot from Manchester. If you’re gunning for these, plan well in advance. One-stop routing through Istanbul or Doha takes longer but provides more year-round availability.
Types of Manchester Umrah Packages
For instance a standard Umrah package from Manchester would typically feature roundtrip flights, hotel arrangements in Makkah and Madinah, along ground transfers between the two cities. What differs is the distance from the Haram, star rating of the hotel and duration of stay.
You tend to find three types of packages:
Economy Packages
Economy packages average uses hotel in the outer zones of Makkah (1.5km to 2km from Haram) with basic 3-star accommodation. These cater for pilgrims travelling on a lower budget or those who would rather spend time worshipping than in hotel.
Standard Packages
4 star hotels 800m to 1km from the Haram are what standard packages offer. Most Manchester pilgrims fall somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. Being so close to the mosque actually counts, particularly for elderly travellers who can’t do long walks.
Premium Packages
Premium packages put you in 5-star high-rises right next to Masjid al-Haram, many with views of the Kaaba. These are mainly for families, honeymooners or pilgrims looking to worship with some of the comforts of home.
Plenty to get about in the package that should include the names of hotels, not just the rating. Now, some 4-star hotels are far closer to the Haram than properties advertising themselves as 5-star.
What to Check Before You Book
First-time Umrah travellers from Manchester are caught off guard by a few things.
ATOL Protection
A package that includes flights and purchased from a UK-based travel agent must be ATOL protected. This protects you if the agency or airline goes under before or during your trip. Always request your ATOL certificate upon booking.
Nusuk Permit Processing Time
Umrah Nusuk Permits are issued electronically but can take a few days or sometimes more in busy times to process. That should be handled by your travel agent, but make sure to confirm the timeline when you book.
Mahram Requirements
Women aged under 45 travelling without a male guardian (mahram) must travel in an organised group. This is a Saudi government requirement at Nusuk Permit level and not something airlines or agents have power over.
Baggage Allowance
Each airline has different policies. 23kg for economy and up to 30kg for business, which is standard between Saudi and Gulf carriers. On Saudi airlines, Zamzam water (up to 5 litres) is typically allowed in checked luggage for the return journey.
Top Travel Tips for Leaving Manchester Airport
Arrive Early
Note that immigration queues at Manchester can be sluggish during busy times. If your flight departs before 9am, aim to be at the airport three hours in advance.
Ihram Preparation
If you will be doing this, take note that prayer facilities are located in the departure area of Manchester Airport.
Travel Insurance
Emergency care abroad can cost you an arm and a leg, literally. Just ensure your policy covers overseas hospitalisation and emergency repatriation, and that it is specifically valid in Saudi Arabia.
Group vs. Private Packages
Group package tours from Manchester usually cover a guide which stays with the group throughout. Private packages offer more freedom with your schedule, but you will need to move around Makkah and Madinah on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Direct Flights From Manchester to Makkah?
Flights arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED) or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah (MED). Makkah does not have its own commercial airport. The journey between Jeddah and Makkah takes approximately 90 minutes via road.
How Long Should an Umrah Trip From Manchester Be?
A week to ten days is about the longest that is practical. It provides time for travel, to rest after reaching there, for worship and travels between Makkah and Madinah without any rush.
Manchester Airport vs Heathrow for Umrah: Which is Better?
Yes, for pilgrims in the North of England. Not having the commute to Heathrow cuts out travel fatigue before a spiritual grind.
What Does an All-Inclusive Umrah Package Contain?
Flights, accommodation, transfers to/from the airport and often inclusive of meals. Always read the package breakdown carefully. The term “all-inclusive” means different things to different agents.
Do I Require a Separate Nusuk Permit for Umrah?
Yes. You need an Umrah Nusuk Permit, which is different from a tourist or business Nusuk Permit. Your travel agent should book this for you as part of the package.
My Stay on Umrah, Can I Extend It?
Some agents can arrange extensions. This will need to be included in your package at the time of booking, as per Nusuk Permit regulations.
