IndiGo has officially launched direct flights between India and Greece, marking the first time an Indian carrier has established a scheduled non-stop link to the Mediterranean nation. The service began with an inaugural flight from Mumbai to Athens on January 23, 2026, followed by the launch of the Delhi–Athens route on January 24.
The introduction of these routes ends the long-standing requirement for Indian travellers to transit through Middle Eastern or European hubs to reach Greece. Both routes will operate three times a week, significantly reducing travel time between the two countries.
The launch serves as the global debut of the Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) in IndiGo’s fleet. The aircraft is designed for long-distance, narrow-body operations, capable of flying up to 8,700 kilometres non-stop. This technical capability allows the airline to service Southern Europe directly while maintaining the fuel efficiency of a single-aisle plane.
IndiGo’s A321XLR is configured in a two-class layout. It features 12 IndiGoStretch business-class seats in a 2x2 configuration and 183 economy-class seats. The premium cabin includes seats with a 44-inch pitch and a six-inch recline, while the economy section offers a 31-inch pitch, optimised for the eight-hour flight duration.
Beyond the point-to-point service, IndiGo has activated a bilateral codeshare partnership with Aegean Airlines. This agreement allows IndiGo to place its code on Aegean flights to more than 10 European destinations, including cities in Italy and Spain.
Conversely, Greek passengers arriving in Delhi or Mumbai can access IndiGo’s domestic network and its broader Asian footprint. Yiannis Paraschis, CEO of Athens International Airport, described the launch as a landmark development that strengthens economic and cultural engagement between the two regions.
The airline is targeting a diverse mix of travellers, citing a surge in demand for leisure tourism, destination weddings, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Greece has seen a nearly 18 percent increase in Indian arrivals over the last year, making it a high-potential market for direct capacity.
To stimulate early demand, IndiGo has introduced one-way fares starting at INR 21,999 for Mumbai and INR 23,999 for Delhi, subject to availability. Passengers on these long-haul routes receive complimentary hot meals and access to streaming in-flight entertainment.
IndiGo has indicated that Athens is just the first of several long-range destinations planned for the A321XLR as part of its strategy to penetrate deeper into the European market. The airline currently has 69 A321XLRs on order, which will be central to its international expansion through 2026 and 2027.
(With inputs from various sources.)
1. Which cities are connected by IndiGo’s new direct flights to Greece?
IndiGo now operates non-stop flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Athens, making Greece directly accessible from India without layovers.
2. When did IndiGo start these direct India–Greece flights?
The Mumbai–Athens route launched on January 23, 2026, followed by the Delhi–Athens service on January 24, 2026.
3. How often do the India–Athens flights operate?
Both Mumbai–Athens and Delhi–Athens routes operate three times a week, significantly reducing overall travel time compared to connecting flights.
4. What aircraft is being used for these long-haul routes?
IndiGo is deploying the Airbus A321XLR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft capable of flying up to 8,700 kilometres non-stop, marking its debut in the airline’s fleet.
5. Are onward connections within Europe available from Athens?
Yes. Through a codeshare agreement with Aegean Airlines, passengers can connect from Athens to over 10 European destinations, including cities in Italy and Spain.