Hundreds of flights hit Asia from all of the world’s continents, with all major flag carriers, and an increasing number of budget airlines. Asia is actually the most lucrative long-haul market and many carriers and websites offer excellent rates for return flights to major air hubs in the region.
The most expensive and busiest times to fly to Asia are traditionally the summer and over Christmas when visiting Americans, Europeans and Australians tend to travel. Although flight prices may not rise that much during these busy times, booking ahead of time is a must. Most flights arrive in Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo-Narita, Hong Kong, and Beijing.
From the US: the main air hubs are Los Angeles’ LAX on the west coast of America and JFK International Airport in New York on the eastern seaboard. The most frequent flights terminate at Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo and Seoul, and travelers will usually route through one of these cities to get to Chinese and Mongolian destinations.
From Canada: Vancouver International Airport in the west and Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario are the most popular exit points for Asia. Flight options from Canada to Asia are less frequent and more expensive than from the US yet the likes of Cathay Pacific provide good flight options to China.
From the UK: direct flights hit every major Asian hub from London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports as well as an increasing number of indirect flights from Manchester. Birmingham International Airport is also a popular option to Bangkok although a change in the Middle East is inevitable. Prices are generally around 20 per cent less for indirect flights. In addition, the Trans-Siberian railway links Europe with Asia via the Middle East and Russia, terminating in Vietnam.
From Australia and New Zealand: budget airlines now fly from the west coast of Australia to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok and there are also excellent flight options with Japanese cities from Darwin, Sydney and Perth. Air New Zealand is the main airline flying from New Zealand to Asia.
From South Africa: Johannesburg International Airport is the main air hub with direct flights to Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Cape Town has fewer options than Johannesburg.