Long-haul flights are usually the biggest cost of a trip to Asia. Prices depend on season, how far ahead you book and your routing. Flexibility on dates and airports often saves more than any trick.
Main hub airports
- Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila.
- East Asia: Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing.
- South Asia: Delhi, Mumbai, Colombo, Kathmandu, Malé.
- Gateways: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Istanbul are major connecting hubs between Europe and Asia.
Tips for cheaper flights
- Compare open-jaw tickets: fly into one city and out of another.
- Look at nearby hubs, then add a short regional flight.
- Avoid Lunar New Year, Golden Week and Christmas peaks when possible.
- Use a free stopover in Istanbul or Dubai to break up the journey.