In a significant development for Indian travelers, IndiGo has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian airline to introduce non-stop direct flights between India and Greece. This groundbreaking service eliminates the need for connecting flights through Middle Eastern or European hubs, offering a seamless travel experience for passengers heading to the Mediterranean nation.
IndiGo's Pioneering Direct Flights to Greece
According to the airline's official announcement, the direct flight services commenced in January 2026 utilizing the advanced Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The inaugural Mumbai–Athens route took off on January 23, 2026, followed by the Delhi–Athens service launching on January 24, 2026. These flights operate three times weekly, providing consistent connectivity between the two countries.
Route Details and Operational Information
The new direct flights connect Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport directly to Athens International Airport (ATH) in Greece. With this expansion, IndiGo has positioned itself as the sole Indian airline offering direct scheduled services to Greece, marking a proud moment for India's aviation sector.
The introduction of these non-stop routes has substantially reduced travel time between India and Greece, making it more convenient for tourists, business travelers, and diaspora communities. Travelers can now book direct flights from both Delhi and Mumbai, bypassing traditional transit points that previously added hours to their journey.
Social Media Announcement and Booking Details
IndiGo made the exciting announcement on their X profile with the message A for Athens, highlighting the new destination. The post stated: Introducing a non-stop flight to #Athens from #Mumbai and #Delhi, in our all-new fleet, W.E.F. 23rd and 24th January, 2026. Fares starting at ₹21,999*. This competitive pricing makes Greek travel more accessible to Indian tourists seeking European adventures.
Why Greece Remains a Premier Travel Destination
Greece has long been celebrated as one of Europe's most captivating travel destinations, renowned for its perfect blend of ancient history, Mediterranean charm, and breathtaking landscapes. With direct flights now available from India, exploring Greece's iconic attractions, historic cities, and picturesque islands has become easier than ever for Indian travelers.
Top Greek Islands for First-Time Visitors
For those planning their inaugural Greek holiday, here are five quintessential islands that showcase the country's diverse appeal:
- Santorini – Famous for its dramatic sunset views and distinctive whitewashed buildings, Santorini remains one of Greece's most iconic and photographed islands.
- Mykonos – Known as Greece's premier party destination, Mykonos offers gorgeous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resort experiences.
- Crete – As Greece's largest island, Crete provides perfect solitude with ancient ruins like Knossos and exceptional Cretan cuisine that delights food enthusiasts.
- Corfu – This lush green island features stunning Venetian-influenced architecture, serene beaches, and historic old towns that transport visitors to another era.
- Rhodes – A beautiful amalgamation of medieval heritage and coastal beauty, Rhodes is home to a UNESCO-listed Old Town that history buffs will appreciate.
Impact on Tourism and Travel Industry
The launch of direct flights between India and Greece represents wonderful news for both countries' tourism industries. It strengthens cultural and economic ties while making Greek destinations more accessible to the growing Indian outbound travel market. This development is expected to boost tourist numbers significantly and foster greater people-to-people connections between the two nations.
As IndiGo continues to expand its international network, this Greece route demonstrates the airline's commitment to connecting India with key global destinations while providing Indian travelers with more convenient and time-efficient travel options.
