Non-stop flights between India and Greece will be initiated from next March, in a major boost to the fast-growing relationship between the two countries and giving a new thrust to the industry, the officials noted. Athens based Aegean Airlines, the flag carrier of Greece, has announced that it would start direct operations to Delhi and Mumbai, reinforcing direct connectivity to the two cities. This is in addition to two Airbus A321XLR aircraft being brought into service by the airline to support the new long-haul routes.

Aegean Airlines to Launch Direct Flights

Aegean Airlines will fly five times a week to Delhi from March 2026 and a three times a week service to Mumbai from May, 2026, it said. The service will be made possible through the airline’s new fleet of Airbus A321XLR aircraft which was launched around the world in November, 2024. The A321XLR which is tailored for long range operations will provide the Indian carrier with a nautical miles range, and thus enable it to develop new services from India to Europe with minimal investment cost.

These non-stop flights will become the most convenient and efficient air routes connecting the two countries for business and leisure travelers. The launch of these routes are part of Aegean’s network-strengthening strategy, and also help increase ease of travel between India and Greece (without having to transit in hubs such as West Asia or Istanbul).

Love for Greece on the rise in India

The development assumes significance against the backdrop of burgeoning strategic cooperation between India and Greece. In 2023 the two countries signed the strategic relationship treaty, emphasizing increased collaboration in trade, defence and the sea. This has created long-term relationships and new opportunities to work together as part of the global family of the Company.

The launch of the new Aegean Airline flights is considered as a major step in enhancing India-Greece air connectivity. The flights will contribute to the growing India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to strengthen economic relations and improve transport links across these regions. By facilitating more direct travel, the new routes will help meet the increasing demand for business and tourism exchanges between India and Greece..

Boosting Tourism and Business Opportunities

The direct flight routes between India and Greece come at a time when there is growing interest in travel to Greece from Indian tourists. In the fiscal year 2025, over 90,000 passengers flew between India and Greece, but most of them traveled via transit hubs in West Asia or Istanbul. The new non-stop service is expected to not only simplify travel for these passengers but also stimulate greater interest in Greece as a tourist destination.

Greek tourism is already doing good business in India – Greek travel companies and luxury resorts like Costa Navarino are regularly conducting promotional road shows across the country. Espousing to enhance tourism further, Aegean Airlines wishes to make India discover Greece and its rich history, culture and its beautiful landscape thus enabling Indian travelers to enjoy hassle-free travel. The direct flights will also push the Greek tourism authorities to be far more encouraged in getting units in India to attract tourists through tailor-made packages for Indian tourists.

India is a key market for Greece, and an increase in the Indian visitors is seen to have positive economic results in the Greek tourism industry. With Greece aggressively marketing its historical heritage, tourist-friendly historical sites and the beaches of the Mediterranean, Indians are expected to play a prominent role in visitors to Greece.

Other Airlines Eyeing Greece-India Routes

Aegean Airlines is not the only airline trying to meet increasing demand for travel between India and Greece. IndiGo, India’s biggest airline, has also announced plans to launch non-stop services to Athens, Greece, but so far has not published an official start date. The step by Aegean Airlines is likely to encourage other carriers to do the same, allowing Indian passengers easy yet direct access to Greece.

If the level playing field actually happens the resultant heightened competitiveness in the market may translate into more affordable travel and better things for the travellers. As interest in the India-Greece travel corridor grows, we expect an increasing number of airlines to recognise the value of starting up nonstop flights, which will be a boon for business and leisure passengers alike.

The Airbus A321XLR: A Game Changer for Long Haul Flights

The launch of the Airbus A321XLR is an important enabling factor for these new long haul services by Aegean Airlines. The A321XLR is a longer-range variation of the new generation of single-aisle aircraft, which can fly longer distances more fuel efficiently and would be well suited to medium and long-haul routes such as those between India and Greece. The aircraft is designed to transport approximately 244 people, making it a comfortable and effective choice for travellers.

Aegean’s investment in this new fleet represents a further commitment to grow its international network and offer customers modern, efficient and environmentally-friendly transport. The A321XLR’s long-haul performance also opens up new opportunities because it enables Aegean to serve long-range destinations that had been beyond the capabilities of its existing single-aisle fleet, helping the airline to both enhance its global footprint and tap into growing long-haul demand.

A Growing Interest in Greece

Now comes the fact, that there is an interest about Greece itself, as a destination, as far as the travelling Indian is concerned. The country’s history, culture and landscapes have for years drawn travelers from around the world, and the new direct flights are expected to renew tourists’ interest in India. Greece is already associated with ancient ruins, beautiful islands and Mediterranean food and that would to appeal to Indian tourists looking for a combination of history, culture and relaxation.

Since traveling from India has also become easier, with a number of convenient options available, which the Indian holidaymakers will find spectacular while holidaying in Greece. From the historical ruins of Athens to the dreamy beaches of Santorini, the country has so much to offer for Indian travellers seeking something new and enriching.

Eager to look forward For the Future India-Greece Connectivity

Direct flights between India and Greece are a great leap in further enhancing relations between our country and India. As globalisation increases its impact on the world, travelling becomes increasingly critical for facilitating teamwork and cultural exchange. Aegean Airlines’ service is probably only the first of many to come; with India-Greece ties growing stronger, the future holds more connective possibilities.

These new direct services mean for travelers there are new opportunities to visit one of Europe’s most beautiful countries without the need for a change of plane. With the increasing popularity of Greece as a travel destination, these flights are expected to be only the beginning of a new era in the development of tourism and business relations of India and Greece.