Aegean Airlines And IndiGo Unveil Direct Flight Routes To Greece Starting In 2026, Significantly Transforming The Country’s Tourism Industry

Published on December 12, 2025

Aegean Airlines and IndiGo are set to launch direct flight routes to Greece starting in 2026, a move that promises to significantly transform the country’s tourism industry. These new direct connections will make Greece more accessible to travelers, particularly from India, opening up new avenues for tourism growth. The direct flights are expected to increase international arrivals, streamline travel experiences, and contribute to the country’s economic development by attracting more visitors and boosting the local hospitality and service sectors.

Aegean Airlines and IndiGo are set to transform the tourism landscape between Greece and India with the launch of direct flights, marking a pivotal moment for both countries. These new air connections are expected to drive a significant increase in the number of Indian tourists visiting Greece, positioning the Mediterranean nation as an attractive destination for travelers from India.

IndiGo, India’s leading low-cost airline, will begin operating six direct flights per week from India to Athens starting in January 2026. Aegean Airlines, Greece’s largest domestic carrier, will follow with its own new services, offering five weekly flights from Athens to New Delhi beginning in March. Additionally, in May 2026, Aegean will start flying three times a week from Athens to Mumbai. Together, the two airlines will provide 14 weekly flights between Greece and India, offering travelers better access and convenience.

The introduction of these direct flights will have a far-reaching impact on Greek tourism. The new routes are expected to attract high-income Indian travelers, with a growing number of affluent individuals eager to explore Greece. Moreover, the service will help mitigate the seasonal nature of Greek tourism. Indian tourists tend to travel year-round rather than exclusively in the summer months, meaning the flights could help extend the tourism season in Greece.

The partnership between Aegean Airlines and IndiGo will also serve as a gateway for IndiGo’s expansion into Europe and other Western markets. Through their codeshare agreement, the airlines aim to provide seamless travel options for Indian tourists looking to explore Greece, thus strengthening the ties between the two countries and contributing to mutual growth. This partnership is particularly important for Greek tourism as it promises to bring a surge of visitors who are likely to spend more, enhancing the country’s overall tourism revenue.

The long-term goal of the initiative is to increase the number of Indian tourists visiting Greece from approximately 80,000 annually to more than 320,000 by 2027. With a population of 1.5 billion people, India represents a vast potential market for Greece. A significant portion of India’s population earns an annual income exceeding $50,000, making them a desirable target group for Greek tourism, which often appeals to travelers with higher purchasing power.

Historically, Indian tourists have had to rely on connecting flights to reach Greece, typically via Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Gulf Air, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. The new direct flights, however, will offer Indian travelers the convenience of avoiding long layovers, making Greece more accessible and easier to reach.

One key challenge that remains is the visa process for Indian nationals wishing to visit Greece and the wider European Union. Despite the exciting prospects of direct flights, industry stakeholders stress that the success of these new routes will largely depend on the efficiency and ease of the visa issuance process. Given the expected increase in demand, the smooth handling of travel documents will be crucial in determining the success or failure of the venture.

To further strengthen the flow of Indian tourists to Greece, the Greek Tourism Workshop, scheduled for February 4, 2026, in Mumbai, will serve as an important platform. The event, organized by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), is expected to foster collaboration and provide insights into the Indian travel market, offering a chance to enhance promotional efforts and cement Greece’s position as a leading travel destination for Indian tourists.

India’s rapidly growing economy is contributing to a boom in outbound travel, and its large middle class is increasingly interested in international tourism. India is currently the fourth-largest economy in the world, and projections indicate it will surpass Japan by 2027. As a result, more Indians are planning international trips, with estimates suggesting that 7 out of 10 Indians intend to travel abroad within the next year.

Although India is not yet one of Greece’s top 15 long-haul markets, Greece has seen notable progress. In 2025, Greece climbed 13 places in the Indian market rankings, rising from 39th to 26th place. This shift reflects the growing interest among Indian travelers in visiting Greece, especially given the country’s rich culture, historical landmarks, and stunning landscapes. Greece now outranks China in preference among Indian tourists, which is a promising development for the country’s tourism sector.

According to the latest study by the Institute of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (INSETE), the Indian market is rapidly rising in prominence for Greece. The study reveals that Indian travelers are most motivated by the desire for relaxation, new experiences, and better weather, with many opting for nature-based vacations, beach holidays, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. Nature trips are particularly popular, followed by beach vacations and sightseeing excursions.

The study also highlights that Indian travelers tend to prefer trips that last between 5 to 7 days, with a majority of them opting for long-haul flights lasting 3 to 6 hours or more. Additionally, many Indian tourists are keen on renting cars during their holidays abroad, with nearly 28% renting a car most of the time during their trips.

Aegean Airlines and IndiGo’s launch of direct flight routes to Greece in 2026 will greatly enhance the country’s tourism by making it more accessible to travelers, particularly from India. This new connectivity is expected to drive higher international arrivals and boost Greece’s tourism industry.

the launch of direct flights between Greece and India represents a significant opportunity for both countries. By enhancing connectivity and accessibility, the new air routes are expected to bring an influx of high-income Indian tourists to Greece. This shift is expected to help combat seasonality in Greek tourism, stimulate revenue, and open up new markets. As the number of Indian tourists increases, Greece is well-positioned to become a key destination for Indian travelers, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.