Finding cheap flights from Europe to Asia doesn’t depend only on luck — it depends on choosing the right airport. Some European airports consistently offer far lower fares to Asia thanks to airline competition, geographic advantage, and hub status.
If you’re planning a trip to Asia and want the lowest possible airfare, this guide shows you exactly which European airports have the cheapest flights to Asia, plus tips to save even more.
Why Your Departure Airport Matters
Flight prices can vary by hundreds of euros depending on where you depart. Major hub airports with intense airline competition force prices down, while smaller airports usually cost more.
Factors that create cheap fares:
- Many airlines flying the same routes
- Proximity to Asia
- Large transit hubs
- Frequent promotions by Gulf and Asian airlines
Cheapest European Airports to Fly to Asia
1. London (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN) – UK
Best overall for cheap Asia flights
London has more international routes than any other European city, which makes competition fierce.
Cheap routes from London:
- London → Bangkok
- London → Delhi
- London → Kuala Lumpur
- London → Manila
💰 Return flights often start from €350–€550
Airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Air India, Scoot, Thai Airways
2. Istanbul (IST) – Turkey
Cheapest gateway between Europe & Asia
Geographically closer to Asia than any other major European hub.
💰 Asia returns often from €300–€500
Best routes:
- Istanbul → Bangkok
- Istanbul → Seoul
- Istanbul → Tokyo
- Istanbul → Jakarta
Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, Flynas, Pegasus
3. Frankfurt (FRA) – Germany
Best for East Asia & long-haul deals
One of the biggest Star Alliance hubs in the world.
💰 Return fares from €450–€650
Good for:
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Vietnam
4. Paris (CDG) – France
Strong competition = cheap deals
Often offers deals nearly as cheap as London.
💰 Asia returns from €400–€650
Best for:
- Thailand
- China
- Philippines
- Singapore
5. Amsterdam (AMS) – Netherlands
Great for Southeast Asia
💰 Return fares from €450–€650
Popular routes:
- Bangkok
- Bali
- Manila
- Singapore
6. Milan (MXP, BGY) – Italy
Hidden budget hub
Budget airlines and charter carriers create very low fares.
💰 Asia flights sometimes under €350
Best for:
- Thailand
- Sri Lanka
- Maldives
Absolute Cheapest Overall (Winner)
| Rank | Airport | Cheapest Average Fare |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Istanbul (IST) | €300–€500 |
| 🥈 | London | €350–€550 |
| 🥉 | Milan | €350–€600 |
👉 Istanbul is usually the cheapest airport in Europe to fly to Asia.
How to Get Even Cheaper Tickets
- Book Tuesday–Thursday
- Use incognito mode when searching
- Compare Skyscanner + Google Flights + Momondo
- Be flexible with dates
- Fly mid-week (Tue/Wed)
- Consider self-transfer tickets via Istanbul or Gulf hubs
Cheapest Asian Destinations from Europe
| Destination | Cheapest European Departure |
|---|---|
| Bangkok | Istanbul / London |
| Delhi | London |
| Manila | Amsterdam / London |
| Kuala Lumpur | London |
| Bali | Milan / Istanbul |
| Tokyo | Frankfurt |
| Seoul | Istanbul |
If you want the absolute cheapest flights from Europe to Asia, start your search from:
✈️ Istanbul → London → Milan → Paris → Amsterdam
Choosing the right airport can save you €200–€600 on the same flight.