India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is set to make history by becoming the first Indian carrier to operate non-stop flights to Greece. Starting January 2026, the airline will connect Delhi and Mumbai with Athens, marking a significant expansion in its international network.
A Historic First for India–Greece Connectivity
Until now, travelers between India and Greece had to rely on connecting flights via Middle Eastern or European hubs. IndiGo’s new service will introduce six weekly direct flights three from Delhi and three from Mumbai making travel smoother and faster. This step is expected to give a major boost to both tourism and business ties between the two countries.
Powered by the Airbus A321XLR
To operate this long-haul route, IndiGo will deploy its first Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, which will join its fleet by the end of 2025. With a range of nearly 8,700 km, the aircraft is designed for medium to long-distance international routes and offers fuel efficiency while keeping ticket costs competitive.
The plane will feature a two-class configuration standard Economy and IndiGoStretch, a premium option offering extra legroom, upgraded comfort, and in-flight entertainment.
Boost for Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Athens will act as the gateway to Greece, allowing Indian travelers easy access to popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. The route is also expected to encourage wedding tourism, business events, and cultural exchanges, strengthening people-to-people ties.
According to industry experts, this move could increase Indian tourist arrivals in Greece while also giving Greek travelers a direct and convenient way to explore India.
Cost-Effective Expansion Strategy
IndiGo’s use of the A321XLR highlights its strategy of expanding into longer international routes without investing in wide-body aircraft. While traditional long-haul flights typically rely on larger planes like Boeing 787s or Airbus A350s, the single-aisle A321XLR offers a more economical model for connecting India to Europe and beyond.
The airline’s CEO described the development as a “game changer for India-Europe travel”, making IndiGo a strong competitor in international aviation.
Timeline of the Rollout
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End of 2025 – Delivery of IndiGo’s first Airbus A321XLR
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January 2026 – Launch of direct Delhi–Athens and Mumbai–Athens flights (3 per week each)
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Subject to approvals – Final regulatory clearance will be required before launch
What This Means for Travelers
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Non-stop flights between India and Greece for the first time
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Faster travel times with no layovers in Middle Eastern or European hubs
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Lower costs compared to traditional long-haul airlines
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More comfort options with IndiGoStretch seating
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Direct access to both Indian metros and Greek islands through Athens
The new India–Greece flights are only the beginning. With the A321XLR’s extended range, IndiGo may soon expand into other European destinations. As air travel demand continues to grow, this move positions the airline at the forefront of connecting India with global destinations. For Indian travelers dreaming of Greek beaches or for Greeks exploring India’s heritage, this route is set to make journeys faster, easier, and more affordable.
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