Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Europe to Malaysia

Direct flight routes to Malaysia

Only one European airline currently operates non-stop flights to Malaysia.

• London Heathrow (LHR) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Malaysia Airlines – 13h 15m

Layover/stopover options

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates hub with frequent connections to KUL. Average layover 2-4 hours. Modern terminal with excellent shopping and dining options. Free city tours available for longer layovers.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways main hub. Typical connections 2-3 hours. Award-winning Hamad International Airport with complimentary quiet rooms and activity nodes for transit passengers.

Singapore (SIN) – Singapore Airlines hub. Short 1-hour flight to KUL. Features world-renowned Changi Airport with butterfly garden, movie theater, and swimming pool. Possibility for extended stopover programs.

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub connecting multiple European cities to KUL. Average transit time 3-4 hours. New airport with efficient transfer process and extensive lounge access.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. One-stop flights through Middle Eastern hubs offer the best value-for-money ratio with competitive pricing and reasonable total journey times.

Tips and recommendations

• Middle Eastern carriers often offer better in-flight service and newer aircraft compared to direct flights.


• Booking separate tickets via Singapore can save money but increases risk during delays.


• Qatar Airways and Emirates frequently run promotional fares for Malaysia routes.


• Morning arrivals in KUL are preferable due to shorter immigration queues.


• Consider airline alliance membership benefits when choosing connecting flights.

• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offers among the best value-to-comfort ratio to Kuala Lumpur, with fares typically 15-20% below market average from most European cities. Their A350 aircraft features a spacious 3-3-3 configuration in economy with 32-inch pitch, and the carrier allows free stopover programs in Istanbul. Turkish serves KUL daily from 15 European departure points.
• Flying through Dubai on Emirates during off-peak seasons (February-March, September-October) can yield fares up to 30% below average, particularly from secondary European cities like Nice, Lyon, or Hamburg. Their economy class on A380 offers 32-33 inch pitch and 18-inch width, among the most generous in the industry.
• Qatar Airways’ new Nordic routes from Oslo and Copenhagen provide excellent connection times to KUL (under 3 hours in Doha) and competitive pricing, averaging 10-15% below direct carriers. Their new fare structure introduced in January 2024 allows mix-and-match booking between cabin classes for different segments.
• Consider Etihad Airways from Madrid or Rome, where the carrier frequently offers promotional fares up to 25% lower than other major Gulf carriers. Their economy space seats, available for a reasonable upgrade fee, provide 35-inch pitch compared to the standard 31-32 inches.
• For travelers from Eastern Europe, KLM’s connections via Amsterdam to KUL offer surprisingly competitive rates, especially when booked 3-4 months in advance. Their partnership with Malaysia Airlines enables seamless connections to secondary Malaysian cities like Penang or Kota Kinabalu, with through-checked baggage and single-ticket protection.

1. Ignoring alternative hub airports Many travelers fixate on flying through Singapore or Bangkok, overlooking competitive options via Middle Eastern hubs like Doha or Abu Dhabi that often offer better prices and shorter total journey times.
2. Booking flights to KLIA2 thinking it’s the main airport Some travelers accidentally book flights to KLIA2 (the low-cost terminal) instead of KLIA, not realizing they’re different terminals located 2km apart with separate transportation systems.
3. Flying during peak monsoon season Booking flights between November and February (Northeast monsoon) can result in frequent delays, flight disruptions, and higher prices due to weather conditions affecting the East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia.
4. Missing out on multi-city opportunities Many travelers book simple return flights instead of utilizing multi-city options that could include free stopovers in hub cities like Istanbul or Dubai at no extra cost.
5. Last-minute currency exchange at airports Travelers often wait to exchange their euros to Malaysian Ringgit at Kuala Lumpur airport, paying significantly higher rates compared to downtown exchange offices or their home country banks.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Most extensive European network with exceptional service quality.

Serves Malaysia from 28 European airports, with main departures from London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Frankfurt. Offers consistently rated 5-star service with spacious 32-inch seat pitch in Economy. Single stopover in Doha averages 2-3 hours, with efficient connections. Passengers praise their appetizing halal meals with multiple choices and responsive cabin crew. Overall passenger rating 8.4/10.

Emirates

Best for: Superior inflight entertainment and generous baggage allowance.

Operates from 21 European cities to Malaysia, primarily from London Heathrow, Manchester, and Amsterdam. Features industry-leading ICE entertainment system with 4,500+ channels. Economy seats offer 32-33 inch pitch with adjustable headrests. Dubai stopover typically 2-4 hours. Complimentary 30kg baggage allowance. Passenger rating 8.2/10.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most competitive prices while maintaining quality service.

Connects 15 European cities to Malaysia, mainly from Istanbul, London Gatwick, and Frankfurt. Economy offers comfortable 31-inch pitch seats. Distinguished for exceptional catering with chef-prepared meals. Istanbul layovers average 3-4 hours. Significantly lower fares than Gulf carriers while maintaining 4-star service. Passenger rating 7.9/10.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Best for: Direct connections from Western Europe with reliable schedules.

Operates from 12 European cities, primarily Amsterdam, London Heathrow, and Paris CDG. Offers consistent 31-inch pitch in Economy with ergonomic seats. Notable for punctuality and efficient baggage handling. Partnership with Malaysia Airlines enables seamless connections. Dutch-inspired meals receive positive reviews. Passenger rating 7.8/10.

Using APAC regional carriers for better deals to Malaysia

Savvy travelers can significantly reduce costs on Europe-Malaysia flights by leveraging regional Asian carriers through a multi-ticket strategy.

1. Break the journey in major hubs – Book separate tickets with a stop in Bangkok, Singapore, or Hong Kong. These cities serve as natural connection points with high competition among carriers.
2. Utilize low-cost regional airlines – Carriers like AirAsia, Scoot, or Jetstar often offer dramatically lower fares from these hubs to Kuala Lumpur compared to legacy airlines’ through-tickets.
3. Allow buffer time – Plan for at least 4 hours between flights when self-connecting to account for delays and immigration procedures. Book morning arrivals to maximize connection options.

For example, flying Paris-Bangkok on a major carrier, then Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia can save up to 40% compared to a single ticket. Best booking windows are 3-4 months ahead for the long-haul segment and 6-8 weeks for the regional flight.

Key consideration: While this strategy typically offers substantial savings, remember to factor in potential costs for luggage transfers and airport transfers when comparing total journey prices.