Aegean Airlines to Launch Direct Flights from Athens to New Delhi and Mumbai with Airbus A321XLR by March 2026
Aegean Airlines, the flagship carrier of Greece, has unveiled plans to significantly enhance air connectivity between Europe and South Asia by launching direct flights from Athens to two of India’s largest cities — New Delhi and Mumbai. The move, set to take flight in March and May 2026 respectively, will utilize the next-generation Airbus A321XLR aircraft, known for its long-range capabilities and premium passenger experience.
The initiative marks a pivotal step in Aegean’s international expansion strategy, targeting the burgeoning travel demand between Europe and India. With India rapidly emerging as a major source of outbound tourism and business travel, these new routes are expected to provide a vital air bridge between the Mediterranean and the Indian subcontinent.
A321XLR: Opening a New Chapter in Long-Haul Travel
Aegean’s decision to deploy the Airbus A321XLR — Extra Long Range — aircraft underscores its ambition to offer efficient, non-stop long-haul services. These narrow-body aircraft can fly up to 10.5 hours without refueling, making routes like Athens to New Delhi (approximately 6.5 hours) and Athens to Mumbai (around 7 hours) well within range.
The A321XLR features a cabin configured with 114 Economy Class seats, optimized for long-distance comfort. Passengers can expect cutting-edge amenities including 4K in-flight entertainment systems, high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and spacious overhead storage. These enhancements are designed to meet the expectations of today’s long-haul travelers — especially business and premium leisure passengers.
Launch Timeline and Flight Frequencies
Starting in March 2026, Aegean Airlines will operate five weekly flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (DEL). This will be followed by the launch of three weekly flights to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (BOM) beginning May 2026.
Tickets for both routes are expected to go on sale in late September 2025, with flight schedules, timings, and introductory fares to be announced closer to the booking window.
Strengthening Greece–India Travel and Trade Ties
This development comes amid a wider trend of increased travel and trade between India and European nations. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Indian outbound travel exceeded 27 million departures in 2024, with Europe among the most favored destinations. Greece, with its rich historical heritage and sun-drenched islands, has been climbing the ranks as a desirable destination for Indian tourists.
Moreover, Greece has been actively promoting itself in the Indian market through campaigns by Visit Greece, the country’s national tourism organization. Collaborative tourism exchanges and rising student and business mobility are further bolstering the case for direct flights.
In addition to attracting Indian tourists to Greece, the new routes will enable European travelers to explore India’s cultural richness, business hubs, and wellness tourism offerings. With a sizable Indian diaspora across Europe, especially in Germany, the UK, and France, the new flights are also expected to serve as a convenient travel option for family visits and special occasions.
Fleet Modernization and Long-Haul Strategy
The arrival of the A321XLRs in December 2025 and January 2026 will mark the beginning of a new era for Aegean’s long-haul ambitions. These aircraft join a broader fleet renewal plan that includes an order of four Airbus A321neo LR aircraft, set to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. Aegean’s total commitment to the Airbus A320/A321neo family now stands at 60 aircraft, of which 36 have already been delivered.
The A321XLR aircraft were selected specifically to unlock new intercontinental markets that were previously unreachable with Aegean’s existing fleet. The aircraft offer fuel efficiency, environmental performance, and operating cost benefits, enabling Aegean to remain competitive against larger European carriers expanding into Asia.
Boost for Indian Outbound and European Inbound Tourism
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has been actively supporting international air connectivity growth under its Open Skies policy, while also partnering with key tourism bodies to promote inbound travel to India. The launch of these direct flights is in sync with India’s push to strengthen bilateral air agreements with European Union members and provide a boost to the Indian Tourism Vision 2047.
Meanwhile, Greece is recovering robustly from the pandemic’s travel slump. According to Bank of Greece data, tourism receipts surged past pre-pandemic levels in 2024, contributing over €21 billion to the national economy. Enhanced air access is considered critical to sustaining this growth.
Aegean Airlines’ Expanding Global Footprint
Founded in 1999, Aegean Airlines is a member of Star Alliance and the largest Greek airline by fleet size and destinations served. Known for its award-winning service, the airline has steadily grown its presence across Europe, the Middle East, and now Asia. Its latest move to enter the Indian market reflects its confidence in India’s aviation potential and the increasing interconnectivity of global travel corridors.
The Athens–Delhi and Athens–Mumbai routes will not only foster tourism but also open avenues for trade, education, and cultural exchange. As more travelers opt for direct, high-comfort options, Aegean Airlines’ foray into the Indian market is poised to become a defining moment in Greece–India aviation ties.
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