(Smart guide for Zurich, Basel, Geneva travellers)
Looking for the cheapest flights from Switzerland to Southeast Asia?
Good news — Switzerland has excellent connections to Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Vietnam, and with the right tactics you can save 30–50% compared to direct flights.
This guide covers the smartest routes, airlines, months, airports and hacks that work in 2025.
✈️ 1. The “Smart Route” principle (how to save 30–50%)
Direct flights from Zurich are usually expensive.
Instead, use premium stopover hubs:
- IST – Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
- DOH – Doha (Qatar Airways)
- AUH – Abu Dhabi (Etihad)
- DXB – Dubai (Emirates)
- HEL – Helsinki (Finnair)
- FRA/MUC – Lufthansa hubs
These hubs offer:
✔ lower base fares
✔ better availability
✔ modern aircraft
✔ great timings
✔ high service level
This is the #1 way Europeans reduce costs to Asia.
✈️ 2. Cheapest destinations from Switzerland
1) Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – 💰 usually the cheapest
Price range: CHF 480–650 return
Best airlines: Qatar, Etihad, Turkish
2) Bangkok (BKK)
Price range: CHF 520–700
Best airlines: Turkish, Qatar, Austrian
3) Singapore (SIN)
Price range: CHF 650–900
Best airlines: Turkish, Emirates, Qatar
4) Bali (DPS)
Price range: CHF 650–950
Best airlines: Qatar, Emirates
5) Vietnam (HAN/SGN)
Price range: CHF 550–850
Best airlines: Qatar, Singapore Airlines, Emirates
🛫 3. Best airlines for cheap & smart flights (Switzerland → Asia)
🇶🇦 Qatar Airways (Doha)
Best overall comfort + great availability
Often CHF 550–700 to KL/BKK
🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines (Istanbul)
Best balance of price + comfort
Often CHF 480–680 to Asia
🇦🇪 Etihad (Abu Dhabi)
Great prices for Bangkok/Kuala Lumpur
Often CHF 520–700
🇦🇪 Emirates (Dubai)
Higher base prices, but great for stopovers
🇫🇮 Finnair (Helsinki)
Very good deals in spring and autumn
📅 4. Best months to book (Switzerland → Asia)
| Month | Prices |
|---|---|
| April–June | Cheapest |
| September–December | Very good |
| January–March | Mid-range |
| July–August | Expensive |
Avoid Christmas & New Year unless booked early.
🏙 5. Cheapest departure airports in Switzerland
1️⃣ Zurich (ZRH)
Most connections, often slightly more expensive.
2️⃣ Geneva (GVA)
Often cheaper deals with Qatar & Turkish.
3️⃣ Basel (BSL)
No long-haul flights → perfect for cheap positioning flights to:
- Vienna (€30–60)
- Milan (€20–40)
- Munich (€35–60)
This trick alone can save you CHF 150–300.
💡 6. Smart booking hacks (work in 2025)
🔹 1. Fly Tuesday–Thursday
Prices drop by 10–20%.
🔹 2. Book 6–10 weeks before departure
Sweet spot for Asia.
🔹 3. Use “nearby airports” trick
Search from:
ZRH + GVA + MXP + MUC + VIE
🔹 4. Avoid multi-city tickets by airlines
Often more expensive than buying one-ways.
🔹 5. Consider 24h stopovers
Istanbul, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai = great for a short visit.
🔹 6. Sign up for email deals
Especially Qatar, Turkish, Emirates.