IndiGo to Launch Direct Flights Between India and Athens in 2026
Airline deploys new A321 XLR for Greece routes.
IndiGo, India's leading domestic carrier, announced on Monday that it will launch six weekly direct flights to Athens, Greece, starting early January 2026. The Gurugram-based airline will utilize its pioneering Airbus A321 XLR aircraft, set for delivery by the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in its fleet modernization and global outreach.
This development positions IndiGo as the sole Indian airline offering non-stop connectivity between India and Greece, enhancing travel options for business and leisure passengers. Subject to regulatory approvals, the airline plans to operate three weekly flights each from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens, creating a seamless aviation bridge between the two nations. "IndiGo is the only Indian airline, currently, to announce direct flights between India and Greece. This new aviation corridor is a strategic step in IndiGo's international expansion and aligns perfectly with India's growing economy and tourism industry," stated Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo.
The A321 XLR, a next-generation narrow-body aircraft with an impressive range of up to 8,700 km, is tailored for long-haul efficiency, allowing IndiGo to penetrate deeper into Europe without the operational costs of wide-body jets. Featuring a two-class configuration—economy and the premium IndiGoStretch business class—the aircraft promises enhanced comfort for passengers on these extended routes. This deployment underscores IndiGo's strategy to leverage single-aisle efficiency for ambitious transcontinental journeys, opening up Southern Europe to Indian travelers.
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The Athens route is particularly timely, coinciding with the burgeoning India-Europe aviation market fueled by rising demand for business collaborations and leisure escapes. Travelers will gain effortless access to Greece's iconic islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, as well as other European hotspots, all while benefiting from IndiGo's reliable schedule. Elbers expressed optimism about the route's potential, noting, "With flight schedules ensuring convenience for travellers, the airline is confident that this route will further encourage demand for business and leisure travel alike." He also hinted at future expansions to additional Greek destinations, aiming to fortify bilateral ties through improved connectivity.
Earlier this year, IndiGo outlined plans to introduce services to 10 new international destinations within the financial year, reflecting its aggressive growth trajectory. As of September 14, 2025, the airline boasts a fleet of 400 aircraft—349 operational and 51 grounded—operating over 2,200 daily flights to more than 90 domestic and 40 international points. This Athens initiative not only bolsters IndiGo's European presence but also supports India's tourism boom, making Mediterranean adventures more accessible than ever.
With the A321 XLR's arrival, IndiGo is poised to redefine affordable long-haul travel, offering Indian passengers a gateway to Europe's cultural treasures while promoting economic exchanges between the regions. As approvals are awaited, excitement builds among frequent flyers and adventure seekers eager to experience Greece's azure waters and ancient ruins directly from Indian shores.
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