In a historic move for Indian aviation, IndiGo announced on Monday, September 15, 2025, that it will operate India’s first-ever direct flights to Greece, connecting Delhi and Mumbai with Athens from January 2026.
The airline’s new service marks the launch of a strategic India-Greece aviation corridor, with the Airbus A321XLR, a next-generation narrow-body aircraft, set to make its debut on this route. IndiGo will be the only Indian carrier offering direct flights between the two countries.
A Game-Changer in Long-Haul Travel
The Airbus A321XLR, which IndiGo expects to receive by the end of 2025, is built for long-haul routes while maintaining the efficiency of a single-aisle fleet. With a range of up to 8,700 km and a maximum flight time of 11 hours, it promises enhanced fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The aircraft will feature Economy Class and IndiGoStretch, the airline’s premium offering with extra legroom, in-flight entertainment, and an elevated cabin experience.
Initially, IndiGo plans six weekly flights to Athens — three from Delhi and three from Mumbai — pending approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The service will provide seamless connectivity to popular Greek destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Strengthening Ties Through Tourism and Trade
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said, “Athens as the inaugural destination for IndiGo's and India's first Airbus A321XLR is a symbolic milestone of India's aviation ascent. IndiGo is proud to be the only Indian airline, currently, to announce direct flights between India and Greece — two ancient civilizations with a history of long-standing relationship, now deepened by modern-day bilateral and economic ties.”
He added, “This new aviation corridor is a strategic step in IndiGo's international expansion and aligns perfectly with India's growing economy and tourism industry. With flight schedules ensuring convenience for travelers, we are confident that this route will further encourage demand for business and leisure travel alike. With this, we also look to connect to more points in Greece, strengthening the connectivity between the two countries.”
The launch comes at a time when the India-Europe aviation market is booming, driven by rising business travel, leisure tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) demand. With India emerging as one of Europe’s fastest-growing source markets, direct flights to Athens are expected to boost people-to-people connections, economic exchanges, and tourism between the two nations.
A New Horizon for Indian Travelers
With this announcement, IndiGo is opening the doors for Indian travelers to explore the charm of Greece like never before — from the sun-soaked beaches of Santorini to the vibrant streets of Athens. The airline’s XLR flights promise a modern, comfortable, and convenient travel experience, redefining India’s connectivity with Southern Europe.
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