IndiGo launches non-stop flights to Athens from Mumbai and Delhi
IndiGo has launched non-stop flights to Athens from Mumbai and Delhi using its new A321 XLR aircraft, becoming the sole Indian airline offering direct connectivity between India and Greece. These thrice-weekly services aim to strengthen cultural a...
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
IndiGo has begun non-stop flights to Athens using its new A321 XLR aircraft, becoming the only Indian airline to offer direct connectivity between India and Greece. The airline has started operating the service from Mumbai starting January 23 and will begin from Delhi starting January 24. The launch strengthens IndiGo’s international network and adds Athens as a new long-haul destination.
The airline had announced these routes in October last year. It said the Mumbai–Athens and Delhi–Athens flights will operate three times a week. IndiGo is deploying its first long-range narrow-body aircraft, the Airbus A321 XLR, on these routes.
The inaugural A321 XLR flight departed from Mumbai on January 23 and arrived in Athens the same day. The Delhi–Athens service marks IndiGo’s first A321 XLR operation from the national capital on January 24.
“This momentous development marks the beginning of a new era for IndiGo's long-range narrow-body operations, making us the only Indian carrier offering direct connectivity between India and Greece. We are confident that these new routes will play a vital role in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two ancient civilizations,” Commenting on the launch, IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers said, in October last year.
IndiGo said the new routes are part of its international strategy to connect India with key global destinations. Athens is seeing rising demand from Indian travellers, and the airline aims to tap this demand by offering direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi.
Highlighting travel trends, Elbers said, “As outbound travel from India continues to expand, Athens is emerging as a key European destination for leisure, MICE, and wedding tourism. This direct connection will also unlock substantial potential for more bilateral engagements.”
The airline said the induction of the A321 XLR will allow it to operate deeper into Europe while maintaining cost efficiency. With a range of up to 8,700 km, the aircraft can operate non-stop flights from India to Southern Europe.
The A321 XLR aircraft features 12 IndiGoStretch business-class seats in a 2x2 configuration and 183 economy class seats. IndiGo has also announced introductory fares starting at ₹21,999, subject to terms and limited seat availability.
The airline had announced these routes in October last year. It said the Mumbai–Athens and Delhi–Athens flights will operate three times a week. IndiGo is deploying its first long-range narrow-body aircraft, the Airbus A321 XLR, on these routes.
The inaugural A321 XLR flight departed from Mumbai on January 23 and arrived in Athens the same day. The Delhi–Athens service marks IndiGo’s first A321 XLR operation from the national capital on January 24.
“This momentous development marks the beginning of a new era for IndiGo's long-range narrow-body operations, making us the only Indian carrier offering direct connectivity between India and Greece. We are confident that these new routes will play a vital role in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two ancient civilizations,” Commenting on the launch, IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers said, in October last year.
IndiGo said the new routes are part of its international strategy to connect India with key global destinations. Athens is seeing rising demand from Indian travellers, and the airline aims to tap this demand by offering direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi.
Highlighting travel trends, Elbers said, “As outbound travel from India continues to expand, Athens is emerging as a key European destination for leisure, MICE, and wedding tourism. This direct connection will also unlock substantial potential for more bilateral engagements.”
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The airline said the induction of the A321 XLR will allow it to operate deeper into Europe while maintaining cost efficiency. With a range of up to 8,700 km, the aircraft can operate non-stop flights from India to Southern Europe.
The A321 XLR aircraft features 12 IndiGoStretch business-class seats in a 2x2 configuration and 183 economy class seats. IndiGo has also announced introductory fares starting at ₹21,999, subject to terms and limited seat availability.
What is a Schengen Visa?
- A short-stay visa that allows travel across 27 European countries
- Valid for tourism, business, visiting family, or transit
- Maximum stay: 90 days within 180 days
Why do Indians need a Schengen Visa?
- No visa-free access to Schengen Zone for Indian passport holders
- A single visa grants entry to all Schengen member states
- Needed for multiple European destinations in one trip
Schengen Visa vs. National Visa
- Schengen Visa (Type C): Short-term stay, valid for up to 90 days
- National Visa (Type D): Long-term stay, for work, study, or residence
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