Flying from Singapore to Vienna

Flying from Singapore to Vienna might take you more time than you think. The overall experience and in which condition you arrive depends on the airline you chose.

Without a direct flight you will always have to change plane at least once.

Having been travelling this route intensively during the last few years I want to give an overview of some of the options in Economy Class (in brackets you will find the transferring airport and the aircraft for the long haul flight):

Austrian Airlines (Bangkok / Boeing 777)

One of the fastest connections with a short flight on Thai or Singapore Airlines to-Bangkok and then on Austrian Airlines 11 hrs directly to Vienna. Total flight time including transfer makes it 14 hours altogether. Plenty of lounges in Bangkok if you have a Star Alliance status level. Good and friendly service. Do&Co food catering. The aircraft (an old version of the 777) is a bit noisy and pricewise tickets are often on the upper end.

EVA Airways Corp. (Taipeh / Boeing 787)

Flying 4,5 hrs into the opposite direction and then 14,5 hrs to Vienna makes this connection one of the longest options (approx. 18hrs altogether). However, great seat spacing and big screens compensate for the time. Staff is very friendly and one of the few airlines where you still receive a real metal cutlery. Transfer in Taipeh gives you good shopping options and transfer is very smooth with short distances to walk. Pricewise on the lower end, rebooking fees are quite low and the service center in Singapore is really helpful.

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Finnair (Helsinki / Airbus A350)

This is (was) my secret favorite. The flight is on a new A350 and was, before the Ukraine war started, the fastest route to Vienna. As Finnair cannot fly over Russia anymore, this has added another two hours to the flight time. However, transfer time in Helsinki is really short and the airport very efficient. Do not expect big thrills or a gourmet menu, but you definitely get everything well in order. Nordic style. Tickets are pricewise on the lower end.

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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam / Boeing 777-200 and 300 ER)

A long starting flight from Singapore to Amsterdam – 14,5 hours. Schiphol airport feels big but has some nice areas to relax and work even if you do not have a lounge access. KLM was the only airline you could use in order to get to Europe during the pandemics.

Service on board would need some improvement and it also feels that not the biggest part of your ticket price is spent on the food you are being served. If you are lucky you get a 777-300 ER on the other 50% they fly on an 777-200.

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汉莎航空 (Frankfurt / Boeing 747-8, Munich / Airbus A350):

Two connections a day to either Frankfurt or Munich on an A350 (Munich) or the 747-8 (Frankfurt). Especially the A350 makes it an enjoyable and relatively quiet experience.

Flight time varies between 14.30 hrs to 16:00 hrs (Frankfurt) with many options on the short haul flight in case something goes wrong.

On board an average experience with nothing going wrong, but not the big “wow” effect.

Unless you book months in advance, you will always be on the expensive side. Transfer at Munich is fast and feels (nearly) like home. Transfer at Frankfurt is, well…

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Qatar Airways (Doha / Airbus A350, Boeing 787):

Well, with three flights a day between Singapore and Doha and two flights daily between Doha and Vienna, this is the most aggressive carrier.

Biggest advantage are the new planes (mostly Boeing 787 Dreamliners) and a great seat spacing in Economy class. Food is always of good quality and Doha Hamad airport is simply a great airport to spend some hours. And yes, you normally also have some hours transfer time: 3-4 to be precise. Biggest pro in Economy class is having a 7,5 hrs flight and another 5 hrs flight for those who do not appreciate being 10hrs+ on a plane. Huge variety of movies on board and good seat spacing.

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新加坡航空 (Frankfurt, Munich, Milano / Airbus 380, 350)

You are flying with the airline that has been voted best airline by travel magazines, travel platforms, Skytrax and others. The cannot be too wrong…

To my mind the best economy class option money can buy. You feel like being in Premium Economy class with other airlines. Be prepared to pay for that service accordingly. Like with all the other airlines you might find some bargains if you book well in advance. The only airline still flying on the legendary A380 to Europe.

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Swiss International Air Lines (Zurich / Boeing 777 ER 300):

You can combine the Swiss flight with Lufthansa and Austrian flights, giving you many options for the return. Seat spacing is not great and the entertainment system is average. From all the transfer airports I like Zurich most: efficient, clean and fast. Probably the highlight of the whole flight. Make sure you have a window seat on the flight from Zürich to Vienna when you fly over the Swiss and Austrian Alps, Pricewise on the higher end unless you book really well in advance.

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Thai Airways International (Bangkok / Boeing 777)

Connectionwise very similar to the Austrian Airlines option. Most of the times you will be on a 777-200, however I have also experienced already an old 747 on that route. Interior of the planes is not the newest.

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Other options with one stop to Vienna are:

法航 , Air India Limited , British Airways , Emirates , Etihad , Turkish Airlines