IndiGo on Friday launched non-stop flights to Athens, marking the airline’s entry into direct India–Greece connectivity as it expands its long-haul international network using next-generation narrow-body aircraft.
The inaugural Mumbai–Athens flight operated on January 23, while the Delhi–Athens service is scheduled to begin on January 24, 2026. Both routes will operate three times a week, providing Indian travellers with a direct gateway to Greece and onward connectivity into Europe.
The launch also underlines IndiGo’s strategy of using the Airbus A321XLR to open longer international routes with single-aisle economics — a model increasingly used by global airlines to expand route networks without widebody deployment.
A321XLR marks IndiGo’s long-range narrow-body push
The Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) enables significantly longer non-stop flying range than standard narrow-body aircraft, making routes like India to Southern Europe commercially viable for airlines without the operating costs of widebodies.
For the Athens flights, IndiGo is offering a two-cabin configuration including its premium product:
- IndiGoStretch (premium cabin): 12 seats in a 2×2 layout
- Economy cabin: 183 seats
IndiGo said passengers on the route will receive complimentary hot meals and beverages, with vegetarian meals as standard and non-vegetarian options available through pre-booking.
To support the longer flight duration, IndiGo has partnered with Bluebox to provide a streaming in-flight entertainment experience accessible through passengers’ personal devices.
Athens bet: leisure, MICE and destination weddings
CEO Pieter Elbers said Athens is a high-potential destination for multiple demand segments, including:
- leisure tourism
- business travel and conferences (MICE)
- the growing market for destination weddings
The addition of Greece also supports IndiGo’s broader ambition to become a stronger international carrier by building long-range point-to-point capacity from India — particularly from Mumbai and Delhi.
Competition coming: Aegean Airlines plans entry
IndiGo will not remain the sole operator on the India–Greece direct market for long.
Greek flag carrier Aegean Airlines has said it plans to launch non-stop services between Athens and Delhi in March 2026, and is also expected to add Mumbai later in 2026.
Fares and flight duration
IndiGo’s introductory one-way fares start at:
- ₹22,009 from Mumbai
- ₹23,999 from Delhi
(subject to availability)
The non-stop flight duration is expected to be around:
- 8 hours 5 minutes from Mumbai
- 8 hours 45 minutes from Delhi
Why This Matters
- Narrow-body long-haul is reshaping India aviation
Aircraft like the A321XLR allow Indian airlines to open new international routes without widebody cost structures. - Direct India–Greece flights unlock new tourism flows
Non-stop connectivity boosts outbound leisure demand and supports Greece’s tourism pipeline from India. - New premium product positioning
IndiGoStretch + hot meals signals IndiGo’s shift from pure low-cost to selective premium long-haul economics. - Europe network expansion is accelerating
India’s international aviation market is moving beyond Gulf hubs and into direct Europe capacity.
Summary
IndiGo launched non-stop flights to Athens from Mumbai on Jan 23, 2026, and will begin Delhi–Athens services on Jan 24. Operating three times a week, the routes are being flown using the Airbus A321XLR and feature IndiGoStretch premium seating, hot meals, and streaming entertainment. Aegean Airlines is expected to enter the direct India–Greece market from March 2026.
FAQs
Q1: When did IndiGo launch direct flights to Athens?
Mumbai–Athens launched on January 23, 2026 and Delhi–Athens begins January 24, 2026.
Q2: How often will these flights operate?
Both routes will run three times per week.
Q3: What aircraft is IndiGo using for Athens?
The service uses the Airbus A321XLR, enabling longer non-stop routes with narrow-body economics.
Q4: What is IndiGoStretch?
IndiGoStretch is IndiGo’s premium cabin product, offering 12 seats in a 2×2 configuration with additional legroom.
Q5: Is there another airline flying India–Greece direct?
Currently IndiGo is the operator, but Aegean Airlines plans to start direct Athens–Delhi flights in March 2026.