IndiGo Launches First Direct India–Greece Flights in Jan 2026

 

IndiGo Airbus A321XLR aircraft in flight

Why This Move Matters: India Gets A Direct Link to Greece

Indian budget carrier IndiGo has officially announced that Greece will be the first international destination for its maiden Airbus A321XLR aircraft — and that makes financial year 2026 a landmark for India-Europe air travel. 

From January 2026, IndiGo plans to operate six weekly nonstop flights to Athens (three each from Delhi and Mumbai), subject to regulatory clearances.

This will make it the first ever direct India–Greece passenger air route offered by an Indian airline — a major boost for travellers and tourism between the two countries.

✈️ Flight Details: Routes, Schedule & Aircraft

Routes & Frequency

• Direct flights from Delhi ↔ Athens and Mumbai ↔ Athens

• Three flights per week on each route, totaling six nonstop weekly flights.

Aircraft: India’s First A321XLR

The Airbus A321XLR is a game-changer — a long-range narrow-body aircraft capable of flying up to 8,700 km nonstop, enabling efficient connectivity between India and Southern Europe.

The A321XLR on these routes will offer standard Economy seating, as well as an upgraded “IndiGoStretch” class — with more legroom and enhanced in-flight comfort compared to typical narrow-body flights.

What This Means for Travellers & Tourism

• 🏖 Access Greek Isles Easily: With direct flights to Athens, travellers get convenient access to iconic destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete — no need for multi-leg journeys.

• ✈️ New Low-Cost Option to Europe: For Indian travellers going to Greece or connecting further into Europe, this opens a more affordable, direct route.

• 🤝 Boost for Tourism, MICE & Business Travel: IndiGo expects demand for holidays, weddings, conferences, and business travel to rise with easier connectivity.

• 🌐 Strengthening India-Greece Connectivity: Historically rich and culturally connected nations now get a modern gateway — strengthening people-to-people and business links.

When to Book & What to Watch For

• IndiGo expects to receive its first A321XLR by end of 2025 — flights likely start by late January 2026, subject to approvals.

  Early booking might offer better fares — especially as demand is likely to be high once tickets go live.

• Check visa and travel requirements for Greece / Schengen zone early. For Indians, plan ahead for Schengen visa processing.

What Travellers Should Do Right Now

• Keep an eye on IndiGo’s official announcements for launch dates and fare release.

• If planning a trip to Greece or Europe in 2026-27, consider this direct option when flights begin.

• Prepare Schengen visa documentation well in advance to avoid delays.

• Compare fare + convenience vs. existing multi-leg options for cost and comfort. Also Read: South Africa ETA 2025