
Book Affordable Flights to Saudi Arabia from the UK
Compare cheap flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia, including direct routes to Jeddah and Riyadh and connecting options to Medina and other Saudi airports.
Live fares for Saudi Arabia update throughout the day. Compare city routes above, or request a quote for your preferred travel dates.
Compare current flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia, including direct flights from London Heathrow and Manchester to Jeddah and Riyadh, plus one-stop flights to Medina and other Saudi airports. Check live availability, compare fares, baggage and travel times, then book the route that fits your dates and budget.
Compare UK departure airports, Saudi destinations, airlines, travel dates and available fares in one place. Check the total cost and baggage allowance before securing your flight.
Saudi routes from the UK have changed in 2026, with airlines adding services and changing schedules. This guide covers the main flight routes currently available, helping you compare current options rather than rely on old timetables.
Booking from the UK? TravelApp helps you compare flights to Saudi Arabia, fares and travel options across major UK departure airports, with support available when you need help choosing or securing your itinerary.
Compare Flights to Saudi Arabia
Direct flights from the UK currently operate from London Heathrow and Manchester to Jeddah and Riyadh. Travellers heading to Medina, Dammam or other Saudi airports can compare one-stop connections through Saudi or Gulf hubs.
Durations below are approximate direct flying times. They are not guaranteed journey times, and schedules can change at short notice.
Direct flights from the UK currently operate from London Heathrow and Manchester to Jeddah and Riyadh. Travellers heading to Medina, Dammam or other Saudi airports can compare one-stop connections through Saudi or Gulf hubs.
Durations below are approximate direct flying times. They are not guaranteed journey times, and schedules can change at short notice.
| Departure Airport (UK) | Destination Hub (KSA) | Flight Type | Average Duration | Primary Operating Carriers |
| London Heathrow (LHR) | Jeddah (JED) | Direct | Approx. 6h 10–15m | Saudia, British Airways |
| London Heathrow (LHR) | Riyadh (RUH) | Direct | Approx. 6h 30m | Saudia, Riyadh Air, British Airways |
| Manchester (MAN) | Jeddah (JED) | Direct | Approx. 6h 30m | Saudia |
| Manchester (MAN) | Riyadh (RUH) | Direct, selected days | Approx. 6h 40m | Riyadh Air |
| London (LHR/LGW) | Medina (MED) | 1-stop / connecting | Varies by connection | Saudia and Gulf carriers |
| London Luton / Gatwick | Jeddah / Medina | Check current schedule | Varies | Availability changes by season and airline |
| Birmingham (BHX) | Jeddah / Riyadh / Medina | 1-stop / connecting | Varies by connection | Gulf and other carriers |
| Other regional UK airports | Saudi Arabia | 1-stop / connecting | Varies by connection | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and others |
Prices on every route move with demand, so compare live fares for your exact dates rather than relying on a typical price.
Heathrow offers direct flights to Jeddah and Riyadh, with Saudia and British Airways serving the Saudi market and Riyadh Air also operating direct to Riyadh. Flight times are generally around six to six and a half hours.
London to Jeddah flights: Saudia and British Airways operate direct services from Heathrow to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Jeddah is a major gateway for travellers continuing to Makkah, making this route particularly important for Umrah travel.
Direct flights to Riyadh from London Heathrow: London to Riyadh flights land at King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Saudia, Riyadh Air and British Airways operate direct services on the route, subject to the current timetable. Riyadh Air offers Economy, Premium Economy, Business and Business Elite cabins on its Boeing 787-9.
Terminals: Saudia and Riyadh Air currently operate from Heathrow Terminal 4, while British Airways normally uses Terminal 5. Terminal allocations can change, so check Heathrow's latest terminal information and your booking confirmation before travelling.
Fares and baggage: Economy fares vary by fare brand, not just by airline. A lower fare may include less checked baggage or charge more to change dates. Business Class generally adds more baggage, priority services and, on many fares, lounge access.
Manchester has direct flights to Jeddah with Saudia and to Riyadh with Riyadh Air. Travellers in the north of England can therefore compare direct Saudi services without first travelling to London.
Manchester to Jeddah flights: Saudia flies direct to Jeddah in about 6 hours 30 minutes, with Economy and Business cabins. For many northern families and Umrah travellers, this avoids the extra journey to Heathrow.
Manchester to Riyadh flights: Riyadh Air's Manchester–Riyadh service began in September 2026, adding another direct option for travellers in Northern England. It operates on selected days and takes roughly 6 hours 40 minutes. From Riyadh, onward flights can connect to Jeddah and other destinations.
Cheap Umrah flights from Manchester: Flying from Manchester can save a train journey or a night near Heathrow. Fares are sometimes competitive with London, depending on your dates. They are not always lower, so compare both airports for the same travel window.
For Medina or Dammam, Manchester travellers usually connect through Jeddah, Riyadh or a Gulf hub.
One-stop flights through Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi connect many UK airports to Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina and Dammam. They can sometimes offer a lower fare or more convenient timings than direct routes.
The main connecting carriers include:
Emirates via Dubai (DXB)
Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH)
Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Saudia and Riyadh Air through their Saudi hubs for onward domestic connections
Why travellers choose a one-stop itinerary:
Medina access. Travellers heading to Medina can compare connecting options through Saudi or Gulf hubs.
Dammam access. Eastern Province travellers often need a connecting itinerary from the UK.
Regional departures. Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and other airports can link to Saudi Arabia through Gulf hubs.
Fare and cabin availability. Connecting routes can sometimes offer a lower fare or better Business Class availability on busy dates.
Combined trips. Some pilgrims turn the wider journey into a multi-destination trip. For example, they may arrange an Umrah and Dubai itinerary or a 10-day Umrah and Turkey trip, with flights, hotels and transfers arranged together.
Regional schedules can change at short notice. Leave a sensible connection time and check your flight status before travelling to the airport.
The cheapest advertised fare is not always the cheapest trip. Compare the final price after baggage, seats, flexibility and connection costs.
Work out the true cost of each option:
Base fare. The headline price before extras.
Checked baggage. Some economy fare brands include less baggage or none at all. Adding bags later can cost more.
Seat selection. Families travelling together may need to pay to sit together on some fares.
Fare flexibility. Change fees and refund rules differ between fare brands on the same flight.
Cabin upgrades. Moving from a basic fare to a flexible fare, or into Premium Economy or Business, can add value on a six-hour flight.
Airport transfer. A cheaper London fare may cost more overall once you add travel from the north or an overnight stay.
Connection time. A long layover can mean extra food or accommodation costs, while a tight connection leaves less margin for delays.
Saudia, British Airways and Riyadh Air give Heathrow travellers several direct options, while Saudia also connects Manchester with Jeddah and Riyadh Air connects Manchester with Riyadh. Compare the fare, baggage and cabin rather than choosing on headline price alone.
| Factor | Saudia | Riyadh Air | British Airways |
| Current UK direct routes | LHR–JED, LHR–RUH, MAN–JED | LHR–RUH, MAN–RUH | LHR–JED, LHR–RUH |
| Heathrow terminal | Terminal 4 | Terminal 4 | Terminal 5 |
| Cabins | Economy, Business | Economy, Premium Economy, Business, Business Elite | Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First on applicable aircraft |
| Checked baggage | Depends on fare brand | Depends on fare brand | Depends on fare brand |
| Onward Saudi connections | Wide domestic network | Growing network via Riyadh | Depends on itinerary |
For current Saudi flight ticket prices from the UK, compare live fares because the cost of a ticket changes with the date, remaining seats and fare brand. Check Saudia, Riyadh Air and British Airways for the latest route status and baggage rules.
Low-cost availability to Saudi Arabia can change quickly, so check the current London schedule rather than relying on an older route listing. For many UK travellers, Heathrow direct services and one-stop alternatives remain the main options to compare.
When comparing a low-cost or connecting itinerary with a direct full-service fare, check:
Base ticket price
Checked baggage
Cabin baggage
Seat selection
Airport transfer costs
Connection time
Change and cancellation conditions
Final payable price
Whichever route you choose, compare the final amount rather than the headline fare. Airline schedules and route networks can change, particularly around seasonal timetable changes.
Airfares change as seats sell and cheaper fare classes run out. The same route can cost more or less depending on when you book, your dates and the remaining seat inventory.
The UK to Saudi Arabia flight price depends on:
Real-time seat inventory. Airlines sell each flight in fare buckets. When lower-priced buckets sell out, the price can move up.
Demand. Umrah demand rises around Ramadan and school holidays.
Travel dates. Weekend and school-holiday departures can cost more.
Hajj season. Flights to Jeddah and Medina can be subject to restrictions and increased demand.
Cabin class. Business fares move differently from economy.
Direct vs connecting. Either can be cheaper on a particular date.
One-way vs return. Return fares can sometimes cost less than two one-way tickets, but this varies.
There is no fixed "best day" to book. Travellers with flexible plans sometimes find value close to departure, but last-minute flight deals are less predictable on busy Umrah dates, when cheaper fare buckets can sell first.
Business Class to Saudi Arabia is available on direct UK routes, including Heathrow to Jeddah and Riyadh and Manchester to Jeddah and Riyadh, subject to the current schedule and cabin availability.
What to compare:
Routes. Heathrow to Riyadh has direct options with Saudia, Riyadh Air and British Airways. Heathrow to Jeddah has direct options with Saudia and British Airways.
Cabin product. Riyadh Air offers Business and Business Elite.
Flexibility. Flexible Business fares can provide better change conditions.
Lounge access. This is often included in Business fares, but check your booking.
Baggage. Business fares normally carry a higher allowance, but the exact amount depends on the airline and fare.
Priority services. Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling are commonly included.
Refund conditions. Check these before paying, especially for corporate travel.
Connecting Business fares through Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi can sometimes provide another price point, particularly when travelling to Medina or from a regional UK airport.
Compare Business Class Availability
Before paying, confirm your baggage allowance, passport validity and the correct Saudi entry authorisation for your trip. These checks help prevent common problems at check-in.
Cabin baggage: size and weight limits vary by airline and cabin
Checked baggage: determined by your fare brand and airline
Economy differences: basic and flexible economy fares can have different allowances
Business Class: normally includes a higher allowance, but check the exact amount
Paid baggage: may cost more when added at the airport
Extra or oversized items: airline-specific rules apply
There is no single baggage allowance for flights to Saudi Arabia. Cabin bag limits in particular differ between airlines, so compare the hand luggage sizes used by UK and international carriers with the exact allowance on your selected fare before packing.
British citizens need an entry authorisation to visit Saudi Arabia, and the correct option depends on why you are travelling. Check the latest Saudi Arabia entry requirements on GOV.UK before booking.
6-month passport validity: your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after your arrival date.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): available for eligible British citizens travelling for tourism, business, study, medical treatment or Umrah outside Hajj season. Apply online through the Saudi ETA portal.
Tourist eVisa: available for tourism through the official Saudi eVisa portal.
Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW): an eligible option for tourism, business, medical treatment, study and Umrah outside Hajj season. Applications should be made through the Saudi visa portal.
Hajj visa: Hajj requires a separate visa.
Umrah travellers: check that your authorisation covers Umrah and review the latest GOV.UK pilgrimage guidance, including vaccination requirements.
Travel advice: review the current Saudi Arabia travel advice before booking and again before travelling.
Pilgrims and holidaymakers should make sure they apply for the correct authorisation. When comparing the available routes, the distinction between a Saudi tourist visa, ETA and dedicated Umrah options can help clarify which option fits the trip.
TravelApp is a UK travel agency. Bookings are processed through secure checkout, with booking confirmation and ticket information provided once payment has been completed and the booking is confirmed.
Given that regional flight schedules can change, arrange suitable travel insurance as soon as you book and check that your policy covers the circumstances relevant to your trip.
Confirm UK departure airport
Confirm Saudi arrival airport
Compare direct and connecting fares
Check total journey time
Check cabin class
Check checked baggage
Check cabin baggage
Check fare change and refund conditions
Check passport validity
Check the correct Saudi entry authorisation
Check current GOV.UK travel advice
Confirm passenger details
Confirm the final price before payment
Your final fare depends on your route, dates, airline, cabin and remaining seat inventory. Compare the current options before the fare changes, then secure the itinerary that matches your travel requirements.
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Find answers to common questions about traveling to Saudi Arabia
Saudia, British Airways and Riyadh Air currently operate direct UK-to-Saudi services. Saudia flies from London Heathrow to Jeddah and Riyadh and from Manchester to Jeddah. Riyadh Air flies from Heathrow and Manchester to Riyadh, while British Airways serves Jeddah and Riyadh from Heathrow. London Heathrow: Jeddah and Riyadh Manchester: Jeddah and Riyadh Direct Saudi destinations: Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH) Medina: compare connecting itineraries Seasonal and changing services: check the latest timetable before booking
A direct flight from London Heathrow to Jeddah takes about 6 to 6.5 hours, depending on the schedule and routing. One-stop journeys take longer because total time depends on the length of the connection. Your door-to-door journey will also include check-in, security and arrival formalities. Direct flying time: approximately 6h 10–15m Manchester to Jeddah: approximately 6h 30m direct Connecting itineraries: vary according to the hub and layover Flying time vs total journey time: total journey time includes airport and connection time
No single month is always the cheapest for every UK airport, Saudi destination and airline. Fares can rise around Ramadan, Hajj and UK school holidays when demand is higher. Quieter periods can offer better value, but there is no guaranteed cheapest month. Compare live fares across flexible dates to see the current price. Higher demand: Ramadan, Hajj season and UK school holidays Moving dates: Ramadan and Hajj fall earlier in the Gregorian calendar each year Hajj restrictions: flights to Jeddah, Medina and Taif can be affected by Hajj rules Off-peak windows: can offer better value, but this is not guaranteed Flexibility: moving your dates by a few days can change the fare
Yes. Manchester has direct flights to Saudi Arabia. Saudia operates direct Manchester–Jeddah services, while Riyadh Air operates direct Manchester–Riyadh services on selected days. For Medina, Dammam and other Saudi airports, Manchester travellers can compare one-stop connections through Saudi or Gulf hubs. Manchester to Jeddah: direct with Saudia Manchester to Riyadh: direct with Riyadh Air Medina: connecting options Other Saudi airports: connecting options with Saudia, Riyadh Air or Gulf carriers
There is no fixed price for a flight from the UK to Saudi Arabia. Your fare depends on the departure airport, destination, travel dates, airline, cabin class, baggage and ticket flexibility. Peak Umrah periods and school holidays can cost more. Compare live fares for your exact dates to see the current price.
Neither destination is always cheaper. Riyadh has several direct options from Heathrow, while Jeddah demand can rise sharply around Ramadan and Umrah peaks. The lower fare changes with your dates, departure airport and airline. If your plans allow either city, compare both before booking, including any onward flight or ground transfer.
The cheapest option is not always the flight with the lowest advertised fare. Check more than one UK airport and flexible dates. Compare direct and one-stop routes, include baggage and seat costs, and consider Jeddah and Riyadh where your plans allow. Then compare the final payable price against the journey time and conditions.
Yes. London Heathrow has direct flights to Riyadh with Saudia, Riyadh Air and British Airways, subject to the current timetable. The direct flight takes around 6 hours 30 minutes. Check the latest airline schedule before booking because frequencies and departure times can change.
It depends on the airline and fare brand. Many full-service economy fares include checked baggage, but basic fare brands can include less or charge separately. Business Class generally includes a higher allowance. Check the exact baggage allowance attached to your selected fare before paying.