Assalamu Alaikum. I’m a travel agency owner named UmrahLovers and have been guiding people on their sacred Hajj and Umrah journeys for over 12 years. In this time, I’ve seen how choosing the right airline can either make your journey peaceful or unnecessarily stressful. Especially for first-timers or elderly pilgrims from places like Sylhet, Chittagong, or Dhaka, the flight experience is not just a matter of cost; it’s deeply tied to your physical comfort, spiritual mindset, and overall travel satisfaction.
In this guide, I’ll help you compare the best airlines for Umrah travel from Bangladesh, balancing price vs. comfort, based on real client experiences, feedback, and my own insights.
1. Why Your Choice of Airline Matters for Umrah
When someone books their Umrah package through our agency, the first question I ask is: who is traveling and what kind of comfort do they need?
For example, if it’s a senior couple from Sylhet. I always recommend airlines that offer
- Fewer stopovers
- Easy assistance and
- Prayer-friendly services
Why? Because the journey is not only physically demanding but also mentally sacred. Flight delays along with rude staff or too many layovers can take a toll on spiritual preparation.
A good airline makes sure that you arrive in Makkah or Madinah refreshed. Not exhausted!
2. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airline
- Price vs. Comfort: A cheap ticket doesn’t always mean a good deal. Some budget airlines save money. They stretch the journey with multiple stopovers at the same time.
- Flight Duration: Try to keep total travel time less than 10-12 hours.
- Stopovers: Avoid long layovers unless you’re planning a short
- Dubai tour or
- Qatar stopover
- Baggage Allowance: Returning with Zamzam water or dates as well as gifts for loved ones? Some airlines offer 40 kg! While others limit you to 30 kg.
- In-Flight Service: For long flights
- Food
- Legroom
- Clean toilets and
- Helpful staff really matter.
- Visa and Customer Support: If something goes wrong, airline support becomes a blessing. Choose those with responsive call centers and Dhaka-based offices.
3. Top Airlines Flying to Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh (2025 Updated List)
Based on my agency’s bookings and frequent traveler feedback, these are the airlines most commonly used for Umrah in 2025. Each has its own strengths in terms of pricing and comfort as well as schedule convenience:
Saudia Airlines: Offers direct flights to both Jeddah and Madinah. Perfect for pilgrims who want to avoid layovers. And also perfect for those who prefer an Islamic atmosphere onboard.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines: A trusted option for direct flights from Dhaka. It’s especially convenient for group bookings and those preferring local support. Plus, it supports easy bKash payment options.
Flynas: Known for being one of the most budget-friendly choices. Many group Umrah Packages From Chittagong and Sylhet are planned with Flynas due to its competitive rates.
Air Arabia: A good middle-ground airline with a short stopover in Sharjah. Suitable for solo travelers or couples seeking affordability with decent service.
Emirates: Frequently chosen by families or VIP clients. It has a Dubai stopover. But the comfort along with hospitality and modern aircraft make the extra time worthwhile.
Qatar Airways: Offers a smooth journey with a short layover in Doha. It’s one of the top-rated airlines globally. And many elderly travelers find it extremely comfortable.
Turkish Airlines: The food and service as well as the Islamic-friendly environment make it popular among seasoned Umrah travelers. But the Istanbul stopover adds to the travel time.
Each of these airlines caters to different needs. And choosing the right one depends on your
- Budget
- Travel group type and
- Whether comfort or cost is your top priority.
4. Budget-Friendly Airlines – Best for Economy Travelers
If you’re watching costs closely, these are your best options:
- Flynas: One of the cheapest airlines flying to Jeddah. Basic service, but direct flights are available. Best for group Umrah from Chittagong.
- Air Arabia: Stopover in Sharjah, but good service and very punctual. Good choice for younger travelers or solo pilgrims.
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines: The national flag carrier. And it offers affordable fares. Especially for group travel during off-season months. Convenient for those paying via bKash or local agents.
| Airline | Avg. One-Way Price (BDT) | Baggage | Comfort |
| Flynas | 50,000 – 55,000 | 30 kg | ★★★ |
| Air Arabia | 52,000 – 58,000 | 30 kg | ★★★ |
| Biman Bangladesh | 60,000 – 65,000 | 40 kg | ★★★★ |
5. Premium Airlines – Comfort That Feels Like a Blessing
Now, for travelers going with elderly parents or VIP Hajj clients, comfort matters more than saving a few thousand taka.
- Emirates: Dubai stopover, but incredibly smooth. Seats are wide, food is top-class, and prayer facilities are available.
- Qatar Airways: Excellent for family Umrah or Ramadan Umrah. Doha airport is clean, and the staff is very accommodating.
- Saudia Airlines: Direct to Madinah and Jeddah. No alcohol served; Islamic content onboard. Great option during peak Umrah seasons.
| Airline | Avg. One-Way Price (BDT) | Baggage | Comfort |
| Emirates | 90,000 – 100,000 | 30 kg | ★★★★★ |
| Qatar Airways | 88,000 – 95,000 | 30 kg | ★★★★★ |
| Saudia | 70,000 – 75,000 | 40 kg | ★★★★ |
6. Best Airlines for Group Umrah Packages
From my experience arranging group Umrah packages, I’d say:
- Biman gives the best deals for groups departing from Dhaka and Sylhet.
- Flynas offers easy bookings and minimal issues with last-minute changes.
- Saudia Airlines gives smooth coordination for groups traveling directly to Madinah.
Most agencies, like ours, can negotiate better group fares if booked early. Plus, it makes it easier for everyone to sit together and get support during transit.
7. Direct vs. Connecting Flights: What’s Better for Umrah?
I’ll be honest! Direct flights are best for older passengers or those with kids. But a connecting flight can be a bonus! How? If you and your partner are going together or solo to Dubai or Doha and planning a short tour.
Avoid selecting connecting flights with long overnight layovers unless you plan to book a hotel during the stop.
8. Airport and Ground Services to Expect on Arrival
Landing in Jeddah or Madinah does not mark the end of your airline journey. Here are a few things to consider.
Arrival halls: Some airports can be extremely busy at the arrival hall. It’s especially during Ramadan or winter Umrah. If you choose an airline that arrives at off-peak times, you’ll save hours.
Wheelchair services: Most reputable airlines are able to provide you with wheelchairs on request even before landing.
Luggage managing: Direct flights often deliver your bags quicker than flights with connections.
Immigration Assistance: Usually there are dedicated lines for pilgrims at Saudia and Qatar Airways.
Transfers to Makkah or Madinah: Different group packages include a bus that will transfer you directly to another terminal and be waiting for you at the airport. Check if the timing of your arrival with your airline matches with that of the group you are joining.
These small yet essential services are highly valued when you are traveling with the elderly, children or a big group.
9. Airline Ranking Table: Price vs. Comfort (Side-by-Side)
| Airline | Avg. Price (BDT) | Comfort Rating (★) | Direct/Stopover | Best For |
| Biman Bangladesh | 65,000 | ★★★★ | Direct | Local groups travel |
| Emirates | 95,000 | ★★★★★ | Stopover (DXB) | Families, VIP |
| Flynas | 50,000 | ★★★ | Direct | Budget travelers |
| Qatar Airways | 88,000 | ★★★★★ | Stopover (DOH) | Elderly, Ramadan Umrah |
| Saudia Airlines | 72,000 | ★★★★ | Direct | Spiritual travelers |
10. My Personal Recommendation as a Travel Expert
- For first-time Umrah travelers, I recommend Saudia or Biman. They are straightforward, reliable, and pilgrim-friendly.
- For elderly travelers or during Ramadan Umrah, Qatar Airways is amazing for their care and comfort.
- For VIP clients or couples, nothing beats Emirates.
- And for those on a budget or going in groups, Flynas and Air Arabia can get the job done without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Your Umrah journey begins the moment you book your flight. Make that step with peace of mind. Whether you choose price or comfort, choose what suits your needs, your family, and your spiritual goals. As the owner of a travel agency named UmrahLovers, my team and I are always ready to guide you in selecting the best airline. Plus, applying for your Umrah visa from Bangladesh and even helping you pay conveniently via bKash.
May your journey to the House of Allah be smooth and accepted. Come back full of blessings. Amen. Need help with flights, visas, or full Umrah packages? Just reach out. I’ll personally guide you every step of the way, In Sha Allah.
