Many holidaymakers may want to avoid layovers in the Middle East until travel advisories change, meaning it can be difficult to find a flight route to popular holiday spots in South-East Asia that don't pass through the region. President Trump's interventions in the region created a travel headache for airline bosses as well as for tourists since February. While diplomatic efforts are continuing, it remains unclear when travel disruption will ease.There is a savvy way around high jet fuel costs, however, and it is to book with one of the often-overlooked band of Chinese airlines.It works like this: because Chinese carriers are allowed across Russian airspace, unlike western airlines such as British Airways, Virgin and American Airlines, routes are more direct, meaning lower fuel costs and competitive fares – which can be as low as half those of rival operators.Yes, flight times may be a tad longer when you take into consideration long lay-overs in Chinese hubs on the way to the likes of Vietnam, Thailand, Bali and Hong Kong. But with up to half-price fares, it's churlish to be picky.So it's worth checking what China Eastern, Shenzhen Airlines, Air China, China Southern and others have on offer – which is easily done using websites such as Skyscanner and Google Flights.Here are some top spots in South-East Asia and beyond to consider, with some rock-bottom prices.BANGKOK BARGAIN You can bag return flights to Bangkok for just £438 with Shenzhen AirlinesIn September, the average daily temperature is 30C in Bangkok, Thailand's capital, if you're thinking of making a late-summer escape on cut-price Shenzhen Airlines return flights.The late monsoon season does fall during this time, meaning rainfall is likely and the weather generally feels quite humid and warm. It's a good time to visit if you're prepared for moisture and are flexible with your plans.Chinese flights: Bangkok returns for £438 in September via Shenzhen Bao'an International, 12h 5m, with 7h 5m stopover on Shenzhen Airlines.Save: 48 per cent on BA return, which offers tickets for £842.50.CHEAP TRIP TO HO CHI MINH A return trip to Ho Chi Minh City costs £443 with Shenzhen AirlinesEnjoy a holiday in Vietnam, basing yourself in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and explore its magnificent temples, Vietnam War tunnels at Cu Chi and delicious street food markets.A boat trip along the mighty Mekong River and a visit to terraced rice fields are a must. Learn about the devastating impact of the Vietnam conflict at the evocative War Remnants Museum. Temperatures average around 29C in September, when there is typically warm weather and rainfall.Chinese flights: Ho Chi Minh City returns from £443 via Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, 21h 45m, with 7h 5m stopover on Shenzhen Airlines.Save: 57 per cent on BA returns, which offers tickets for £1,029.89.CUT-PRICE KUALA LUMPUR Visit Malaysia's capital on a £520 return flight with Air ChinaVisit the Petronas Towers twin skyscrapers, as well as Hindu temples (including the colourful complex at the Batu Caves) and vibrant markets in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia's biggest city.Daily temperatures average at around 33C in September. Take a day trip to the colonial port of Malacca, with Dutch, Portuguese and British influences.Chinese flights: KL returns from £520 via Beijing Capital outbound, taking 19h 40m, with a 2h 50m stopover on Air China. Save: 43 per cent on BA returns, which offers tickets for £917.79.HONG KONG FOR A SONG Hong Kong return flights from London come in at £523It's almost 30 years since Hong Kong ceased to be a British Dependent Territory, and it's one of the must-visit cities in Asia with its skyscrapers, jagged hills (including the famous Peak), and busy little ferries between islands. Visit Buddhist temples, night street markets, fashion emporiums, the Happy Valley Racecourse, waterparks and Hong Kong Disneyland.Chinese flights: Hong Kong returns from £523 via Beijing Capital, 15h 40m, with 1h 50m stopover on Air China.Save: 61 per cent on Virgin Atlantic returns, which offers tickets for £1,367.19.BALI FOR LESS China Southern flights to Bali cost £893.20 via GuangzhouSave money to spend on an adventure in Bali by booking with China Southern.Yes, there's an almost 13-hour stopover at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, but you can make the most of it with a Chinese meal and perhaps spend time in a lounge. Temperatures in Bali average around 27C in September and with low rainfall, it's a perfect time to enjoy the lush landscapes and incredible beaches.Chinese flights: Bali returns from £893.20 via Guangzhou, 31h 30m, with 12h 50m stopover on China Southern.Save: 14 per cent on BA returns, which offers tickets for £1,036.39.AUSTRALIA ON A BUDGET Flights to Sydney, Australia, cost £986 with China EasternAlthough it might be the slightly cooler spring season in Australia, September is still a good time to visit for those wanting fewer crowds.Temperatures range from 11C to 23C in Sydney at this time, which might feel mild to Brits. Chinese flights: Sydney returns from £986 via Shanghai Pudong, 33h 35m, with 12h 5m stopover on China Eastern.Save: 64 per cent on Virgin Atlantic returns, which offers tickets for £2,761.59.Prices correct at time of publication; all flights start from London, departing 12 September 2026.