Published on
January 28, 2026
In a major leap forward for air travel between India and Greece, IndiGo has launched its first non‑stop direct flights connecting Mumbai and Delhi to Athens. This long‑awaited route, which kicked off in January 2026, marks the beginning of a new era in Indian aviation — making it easier and faster for Indian travellers to explore the Mediterranean. No more layovers in the Middle East or Europe! Now, passengers can fly directly between the two countries on IndiGo’s Airbus A321XLR, cutting down travel time significantly. The service, operating three times a week, promises to open up new opportunities for leisure and business travellers.
Breaking Barriers in Travel: IndiGo’s Game-Changing New Flights
With the launch of direct services to Athens, IndiGo becomes the first Indian airline to offer this much‑needed connection between India and Greece. The new Mumbai–Athens flight took off on 23 January 2026, followed by the Delhi–Athens service the next day, offering both cities direct access to Greece’s vibrant capital. These non‑stop flights represent a groundbreaking shift in travel convenience for Indian tourists, as it eliminates the long layovers typically spent at airports in the Middle East or other European hubs. The Airbus A321XLR, with its advanced range capabilities, is the perfect choice for this long‑haul route. (ndtv.com)
The new direct services will operate three times per week, offering more options for travellers seeking to connect directly to Athens International Airport (ATH). For Indian travellers eager to visit Greece’s stunning Mediterranean coast or explore its rich cultural heritage, these flights will save hours of travel time, making it easier than ever to experience everything from ancient ruins to world‑famous cuisine.
A Landmark Move for India-Greece Travel
This step marks a major shift in the India-Greece travel dynamic, as IndiGo becomes the only Indian airline operating direct flights to Greece. Previously, travellers had to rely on connecting flights, typically with long stopovers in Middle Eastern cities like Dubai or Doha. Now, travellers can reach Athens in just about 8 hours, reducing the overall journey significantly and opening the door to more spontaneous getaways.
Not only does this direct flight benefit leisure travellers, but it also supports business tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) by making it easier for professionals to fly directly into Athens, boosting trade and collaboration between the two countries.
The Advantages for Indian Travellers
The new direct flights come with several benefits for passengers:
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- Less Time in Transit: Skip the layovers and arrive faster. This means more time to explore Athens and the Greek islands.
- Affordable, Comfortable Travel: IndiGo’s long‑haul flights, including the A321XLR, provide comfort and efficiency, catering to all passengers, from families to business travellers.
- Access to Tourism Hotspots: Direct flights to Athens provide easy access to Greece’s iconic destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, making it an attractive option for Indian tourists looking to explore the Mediterranean.
- More Travel Flexibility: With three weekly flights from Mumbai and Delhi, passengers have increased flexibility in planning their trips.
Challenges for Travellers to Consider
However, there are some factors to consider before booking:
- Visa Requirements: Indian travellers will still need a Schengen visa to enter Greece, a step that requires some time and planning.
- Limited Weekly Flights: Currently, the new direct flights are only operating three times per week. Passengers may need to plan ahead to secure seats on their preferred dates.
- Price Fluctuations: While IndiGo aims to provide affordable travel, ticket prices can fluctuate depending on the season and demand, especially for last‑minute bookings.
- Seasonal Demand: The demand for direct flights to Greece is likely to surge during the peak tourist seasons (spring and summer). Booking early is essential for best fares and seat availability.
What This Means for India-Greece Tourism
This new connection between India and Greece comes at a pivotal time for both countries’ tourism industries. As Greece continues to be a top destination for Indian tourists looking to experience Mediterranean culture, historical landmarks, and luxury beach resorts, IndiGo’s direct service is set to drive even more traffic between the two countries.
Additionally, the Indian government’s efforts to bolster bilateral tourism ties align with this new air connection, providing an easier way for both leisure and business travellers to explore the vast cultural and economic opportunities that Greece has to offer.
Conclusion
With the launch of IndiGo’s direct flights to Athens, the airline has revolutionized the way Indian travellers experience Greece. No longer burdened by long layovers, visitors from Delhi and Mumbai can now fly directly to the heart of the Greek capital in just a few hours. This new air connection is expected to bring an influx of travellers to Greece, boosting tourism and strengthening the relationship between India and Greece for years to come
