Roberta Aguirre
When planning a trip for Umrah, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right airport to land at. While there are several airports in Saudi Arabia that cater to Umrah pilgrims, the best option depends on various factors such as travel dates, budget, and convenience. Here's a guide to help you choose the most suitable airport for your Umrah journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport to Makkah | King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah |
| Second nearest airport to Makkah | Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina |
| Other airport options for Umrah visa holders | Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, and Dammam |
| Visa requirements | Umrah visa holders have restrictions on the times of the year they can enter, e.g., it closes during the last 2 weeks of Ramadan. |
| Dress code | The Ihram needs to be worn before crossing the Miqat, which marks the start of Hajj or Umrah. If you arrive in Jeddah, you will need to wear it around 45 minutes before landing. |
| Procedures | There is a lot of paperwork to complete, and it is recommended to fill out the disembarkation card before landing. |
| Facilities | The Hajj Terminal is large and easy to get lost in. Facilities are not as good as in other international airports, and staff are reportedly unhelpful. |
| Transportation | The Haramain train connects Jeddah and Medina. |
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What You'll Learn
The nearest airport for Makkah
It is important to note that there is no airport in Mecca. However, there are several airports in Saudi Arabia that are within close proximity to the city. The nearest major airport is King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED/OEJN) in Jeddah, which is 74.8 km or 97 km from Mecca. This airport is modern, advanced, and the busiest in Saudi Arabia. It is also the only airport close to Mecca's sacred city, and pilgrims arriving here must enter the state of Ihram. The second closest airport to Mecca is 75.5 km away, although the source does not specify the name of this airport. Other nearby airports include Ta'if Regional Airport (109 km away), Medina Airport, and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina, which is smaller and less busy than King Abdulaziz International Airport.
When deciding which airport to fly into, there are several factors to consider, such as travel dates, budget, and convenience. For instance, if you are travelling with children or elderly individuals, you may prefer to land at a less crowded airport like Medina Airport, which is a good option if you want to rest or explore Medina before continuing to Mecca. In addition, if you are entering on an Umrah visa, you can also arrive at Riyadh or Dammam airports. However, Jeddah Airport is recommended as it is the closest to Mecca and has better connectivity.
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Jeddah airport vs. Medina airport
When planning a journey, it is quite natural to consider the airport you will be landing at, as it significantly contributes to your journey. If you are going for Umrah, you must choose from the airports in Saudi Arabia, as there is no airport in Mecca.
The two most popular airport choices for Umrah pilgrims are King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina. Jeddah Airport is the only airport close to Mecca’s sacred city, so it is recommended to enter from here as it has better connectivity. If you arrive at Jeddah, you will need to wear Ihram 45 minutes before landing. The Haramain train station is also just outside the new terminal, so if you are taking the train to Medina from Jeddah, this is where you will embark. Jeddah Airport is modern and advanced but is also the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia, so you must prepare for crowds.
The smaller and less busy Medina Airport is the second most popular choice. Pilgrims who want to rest or explore Medina before going for Umrah prefer to land at this airport. People travelling with children or the elderly may prefer this option, as it is not as crowded.
Other airport options for Umrah include Riyadh and Dammam. Citizens of 49 countries can also perform Umrah with the Saudi tourist eVisa, so you can land at any airport in Saudi Arabia with this visa.
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$11.12
King Abdulaziz International Airport
The airport has four terminals, with Terminal 1 being the largest and most modern. Terminal 1 features new lounges, a 14-metre-tall aquarium, a 18,000-square-metre central garden, a mosque, and a transport centre that links the terminal building to the parking area and the Haramain High-Speed Railway station, connecting it to the Islamic holy cities of Medina and Mecca. The North Terminal is mainly used by non-Saudi airlines and functions during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. The South Terminal is a specialised facility mainly used for domestic flights within the Kingdom. The Hajj Terminal is used during the Hajj season and can accommodate 50,000 pilgrims for arrival and 80,000 for departure.
The airport has won awards for its design, which blends modern function with Islamic style. Its most famous feature is the Hajj Terminal, which uses tent-like roofs to create a cool, shaded space. The roofs are made of fibreglass fabric, reflecting heat and letting in soft light.
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Arriving with a tourist visa
If you are arriving in Saudi Arabia with a tourist visa, you can land at any airport in the country. There used to be restrictions on where you could land with a tourist visa, but this is no longer the case. You can even go on holiday in Riyadh or Dammam before continuing to Umrah. The nearest airports to Umrah are Jeddah and Medina, and it is recommended to enter from Jeddah Airport as it is closer to Makkah and has better connectivity.
If you are travelling with children or elderly family members, you may prefer to land at a less crowded airport such as Medina, which will give you the chance to rest before you embark on your journey. If you are planning to explore Medina first, this may also be a good option.
When you arrive at the airport, there are several procedures and a lot of paperwork to complete. You will need to fill out a disembarkation card, which should be provided by the cabin crew. You will also need to wear Ihram before crossing the Miqat, the boundary that marks the start of Umrah. If you arrive in Jeddah, you will need to wear it around 45 minutes before landing. It is also a good idea to keep snacks and a bottle of water with you while you are on the bus.
If you are travelling with Hajj and Umrah visas, you will be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia via Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu, and Taif international airports. You will also be accepted via Riyadh and Dammam international airports within flights operated by national carriers only, and you must then continue travelling to Jeddah and Madinah airports on domestic flights.
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Procedures and paperwork
When it comes to procedures and paperwork for Umrah, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to remember that Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, except during the Hajj dates. This means that procedures and paperwork may vary depending on whether you are travelling during the Hajj season or not.
If you are travelling during the Hajj season, you will likely need to report to specific terminals at the airport, such as the Hajj Terminal, which can accommodate a large number of pilgrims. It is recommended to remain patient as you may encounter long waiting times and facilities that may not be as advanced as those in other international airports. Make sure you fill out the disembarkation card, provided by the cabin crew, before landing. Keep in mind that certain items, such as certain publications, may be deemed inappropriate and confiscated by authorities. If you have any medications, ensure you have a doctor's prescription with you.
For those travelling outside the Hajj season, the procedures at the airport are slightly different and generally result in a shorter stay. Regardless of the season, it is important to wear the Ihram before crossing the Miqat, which marks the start of Umrah. If you arrive in Jeddah, you will need to wear it about 45 minutes before landing. It is also recommended to enter from Jeddah airport as it is closer to Makkah and has better connectivity. However, if you are travelling with children or elderly individuals, you may prefer landing at a less crowded airport like Medina, which offers a chance to rest before embarking on Umrah.
In terms of visa requirements, Umrah visa holders have restrictions on the times of the year they can enter. For example, entry is typically closed during the last two weeks of Ramadan. With an Umrah visa, you can enter through Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, and Dammam airports. However, if you are travelling through national carriers, you may also be able to arrive at additional airports. On the other hand, if you are travelling with a tourist visa or the visa waiver option, you can land at any airport in Saudi Arabia and make your way to Umrah. This provides the flexibility to explore other tourist destinations before or after performing Umrah.
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Frequently asked questions
Umrah pilgrims can land at any airport in Saudi Arabia. The nearest airports to Umrah are Jeddah and Medina, with Jeddah being the closest to Mecca. Other options include Riyadh and Dammam.
The best airport for you will depend on your travel plans and preferences. If you want to explore Medina before performing Umrah, you may want to land at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina. If you want to perform Umrah as soon as you land, you may prefer to arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, as it is the only airport close to Mecca.
The Hajj Terminal is one of the largest airport terminals in the world and is used by both Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. It is located at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The terminal is huge and easy to get lost in, so it's important to make a mental note of your location in relation to the colour-coded walls and alphabetical sections.
Upon arrival at the airport for Umrah, there are several procedures and paperwork to complete. Make sure you fill out a disembarkation card and have your passport ready. If you are travelling with medications, ensure you have a doctor's prescription. It is also recommended to have some small snacks and a bottle of water with you while you wait.
