How to use Skyscanner Layovers filter and find the best flight stopovers

When booking flights with connections, not every route will suit your travel plans. You may prefer to avoid certain transit airports, consider visa requirements, or choose specific hubs for longer journeys.

As flights through some major transit hubs are currently being cancelled, delayed or rerouted due to airspace closures, we've launched a new Layovers filter to help travellers customise their connection preferences. The feature is available on desktop and mobile web.

Due to flights being canceled, delayed, or rerouted from airspace closures, we’ve introduced a new Layovers filter to help travellers customise connection preferences. Available on Skyscanner desktop and mobile web (not app)

What is the Layovers filter?

The Layovers filter is a search feature that gives you more control over your route when booking flights with connections.

Instead of simply choosing the cheapest or fastest option, you can filter out specific connecting airports you’d prefer not to transit through.

This means:

You can avoid layovers in impacted airports
You can exclude specific transit hubs from your results
You can choose routes that give you greater peace of mind
You can narrow your options to routes that better suit your travel plans

It’s available on desktop and mobile web as part of your flight search filters.

How to filter layover airports on Skyscanner

You can customise your layover preferences directly from the filters panel.

Step 1: Search for your flight

Enter your departure airport, destination and travel dates as usual.

Step 2: Open the filters panel

Once results load, open the filters section and scroll to Layovers.

Step 3: Adjust your layover duration

Use the slider to set the maximum layover time you’re comfortable with.

Step 4: Choose your layover airports

Under Layover airports, uncheck any airports you don’t want to connect through. You can select individual airports or clear all to reset your options. Your results will automatically update as you adjust your preferences.

FAQs Control where you connect with the Layovers filter

Is the Layovers filter available in the app?

The feature is currently available on desktop and mobile web. It is not yet available in the Skyscanner app.

Can I choose how long my layover is?

Yes. You can adjust the layover duration using the slider in the filters panel to set the maximum time you’re willing to wait between flights.

Can I exclude specific airports from my layover?

Yes. Under Layover airports, you can uncheck any airports you don’t want to connect through. Your results will update automatically.

Does this guarantee my flight won’t be disrupted?

No. Flight schedules can change due to operational decisions or airspace restrictions. Always check directly with your airline for the latest information about your booking.

See more information on what to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed.

Can I filter out specific airports when booking flights from Australia to Europe?

Yes, you can exclude specific airports or regions when searching for flights on Skyscanner. If you're trying to figure out how to avoid a Dubai layover on Australia to Europe flights, or want to avoid a Doha or Abu Dhabi connection from Australia, simply exclude them from the Layovers section on Skyscanner.

Are there realistic options for flights from Sydney to London without a Middle East stopover?

Yes. While Middle Eastern hubs dominate Australia-to-Europe routing, there are alternatives worth knowing. Singapore Airlines routes through Singapore, Cathay Pacific connects via Hong Kong, and some itineraries stop over in Asian cities like Tokyo or Bangkok instead. If you specifically want flights from Sydney to London without a Middle East stopover, filtering by airline — rather than just price — can help surface these options quickly.

Top tip

If you exclude popular transit hubs or shorten your maximum layover time, you may see fewer results or higher fares. Try adjusting your filters to compare different route options.