In Ramadan, travel agencies and tour operators in Saudi Arabia are witnessing a significant surge in demand for Umrah pilgrimage packages. The festive rush has led to soaring ticket prices, particularly for flights from Riyadh to Jeddah, as pilgrims seek to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during the sacred month.
Flights from Riyadh to Jeddah have seen a steep price hike, with round-trip fares now ranging between SR1,700 ($453) to SR2,000. According to Mohammad Aslam Jameel, a travel company supervisor in Riyadh, some travelers managed to secure cheaper tickets during Saudi Founding Day promotions. However, with the onset of Ramadan, ticket prices have surged. He noted that even odd-timed flights, which are generally more affordable, now cost between SR1,500 and SR2,000, particularly during Qiyam Al-Layl, the last ten days of Ramadan.
Not only have airfares risen, but Umrah travel operators in Riyadh have also nearly doubled the price of bus tour packages, now costing SR200 per person. Mohammed Iqbal, who recently booked an Umrah trip, stated, “The huge rush was due to the holy month of Ramadan, as most people want to spend these days in Makkah and Madinah.” Travel agencies confirm that the increased prices are a direct result of the unprecedented demand.
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The price surge is not limited to domestic travel. International flights from Saudi Arabia have also become significantly more expensive as expatriates plan trips home for Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. Asif Ahmed, an Indian expatriate working in Riyadh, shared his experience: “Two months ago, the round-trip airfare for my planned travel period was around SR2,000. Now, the prices have skyrocketed to SR4,000.”
Syed Faiz Ahmad, a Pakistani expatriate living in Yanbu, echoed these sentiments. “I have been in Saudi Arabia for 28 years, and in my early years, airfares for travel home during Eid were reasonable. But over time, airlines have started raising prices exorbitantly during the festive rush. It has become increasingly difficult to afford family travel during holidays.”
Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by increasing global interest in pilgrimage travel. According to travel booking platform Skyscanner, January 2025 saw a 21 percent year-on-year increase in flight searches to Saudi Arabia, with peak demand expected in March 2025, coinciding with Ramadan. Similar spikes were observed in 2024 during Ramadan (March-April) and Hajj (June).
Madinah has emerged as a major destination for religious tourists, with a 54 percent year-on-year increase in flight searches to Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Religious tourism remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy. To support this initiative, the government is investing in infrastructure, expanding flight routes, and enhancing the overall pilgrim experience.
To counter the sharp rise in airfare prices, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has introduced cost-saving initiatives and increased capacity. The railway provided discounted fares for two-way travel between Makkah and Madinah during the first 20 days of Ramadan. Additionally, in anticipation of the surge in Umrah pilgrims during the final ten days of Ramadan, the railway has expanded its operations by adding 130 extra daily trips. The Saudi Press Agency reported that station gate capacity has also been expanded from eight to 24, along with the addition of two new terminals.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway, one of the fastest rail networks in the world with speeds of up to 300 km/h, continues to play a crucial role in facilitating travel for pilgrims and easing congestion at major airports.
With Umrah travel demand at an all-time high, the Saudi government and private sector are working to manage the logistical challenges that come with large-scale religious tourism. The ongoing expansion of transportation networks and strategic pricing initiatives will be critical in ensuring a smooth and affordable pilgrimage experience for worshippers in the years to come.
As religious tourism continues to be a driving force in the Kingdom’s economic transformation, travelers can expect further investments in infrastructure, flight accessibility, and transport facilities to accommodate the ever-growing number of pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah.
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