Saudis target more than 2.5 Million Seats for Umrah flights by 2025

Riyadh, KSA - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is significantly expanding its air travel capacity to accommodate the growing number of Umrah pilgrims. Majid Khan, CEO of the Air Connectivity Program, has announced plans to increase the availability of umrah flights, aiming to reach 2.5 million seats by the end of 2025.

This initiative is a core component of Saudi Arabia's strategy to enhance religious tourism and provide greater accessibility for Muslims worldwide to fulfill their Umrah obligations. Khan revealed at the recent Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah that over 700,000 seats have already been secured by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The expansion of umrah flights is not only about increasing the number of seats but also about diversifying the routes and airlines serving the Kingdom.

The Air Connectivity Program is actively working to connect Madinah with key markets across Europe, the Gulf region, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Indonesia. This strategic focus on expanding air links will provide pilgrims with more options and potentially influence umrah ticket price competitiveness.

Several new routes and airline partnerships are being established to support this growth. For example, a new Stuttgart–Jeddah route is set to launch, becoming the third direct Umrah connection from Germany. Eurowings has also joined the program, now operating umrah flights from Berlin and Cologne to Jeddah. Additionally, Transavia will soon commence services from Paris and Lyon to Jeddah, and a new daily flight from London Gatwick to Madinah, starting in August, will add approximately 180,000 seats.

The increase in umrah flights is expected to have a direct impact on the cost of travel. While the announcement doesn't explicitly detail how umrah ticket price will be affected, increased competition and capacity often lead to more competitive pricing and a wider range of umrah packages.

The Air Connectivity Program, launched in 2021, plays a crucial role in facilitating this expansion. By supporting existing airlines and attracting new ones, the program aims to streamline market entry and create growth opportunities for air travel partners. This year alone, 12 airlines have joined the program, launching 20 new routes to Saudi Arabia and contributing an additional 1.5 million seats. New partners include ITA Airways, British Airways, Eurowings, Transavia, and Wizz Air.

The availability of diverse umrah packages is also expected to improve as air connectivity increases. Airlines and travel agencies may offer bundled services that include flights, accommodation, and ground transportation, catering to the varying needs and budgets of Umrah pilgrims. The expansion of umrah flights is a significant step towards making the pilgrimage more accessible and affordable for Muslims around the world.