Aegean Airlines is set to significantly enhance connectivity between Europe and India with the launch of new direct flights to New Delhi and Mumbai, using the cutting-edge Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Starting in March and May 2026, these new routes will offer non-stop service from Athens to two of India’s most prominent cities, catering to the growing demand for seamless travel between the two regions. The addition of the A321XLR aircraft, equipped with advanced long-haul capabilities and premium amenities, marks a bold step in Aegean’s strategy to strengthen its global presence and offer travelers more efficient and comfortable options for connecting Europe with India.

Aegean Airlines, Greece’s leading carrier, is taking a major step in its international expansion with the launch of new routes to India. In a move aimed at strengthening its presence in the rapidly growing Asian market, Aegean has announced the acquisition of two Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, which are scheduled to join its fleet in December 2025 and January 2026. These new aircraft will play a central role in the airline’s strategy to expand its long-haul capabilities and provide more direct connectivity between Greece and key cities in India.

The Airbus A321XLR is specifically designed for long-haul services, offering an extended range that sets it apart from other models in the A321 family. With the ability to fly up to 10.5 hours non-stop, the A321XLR will provide Aegean Airlines with the capability to operate direct flights to destinations that were previously outside its reach. This range is a substantial improvement over the A321neo LR, which has a range of 7.5 hours, and the standard A321neo, which has a range of 6 hours. The addition of these aircraft enables Aegean to offer a more premium travel experience while expanding its reach to distant and high-demand markets.

These new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be equipped with 114 Economy Class seats, which are designed for long-haul comfort. Each seat will come with a 4K in-flight entertainment system, satellite Wi-Fi, USB and device charging ports, and spacious overhead bins. These features are tailored to meet the needs of passengers on long-haul flights, ensuring that their journey is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The introduction of these high-tech, state-of-the-art amenities is in line with Aegean’s ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience and compete effectively in the long-haul market.

Starting in March 2026, Aegean will launch five weekly flights from Athens (ATH) to New Delhi (DEL), followed by three weekly flights from Athens to Mumbai (BOM) beginning in May 2026. These routes represent a significant milestone in Aegean’s expansion into the Asian market, as they provide direct, non-stop service between Greece and two of India’s most important business and tourism hubs. The demand for travel between Europe and India has been steadily increasing, and Aegean’s new routes are designed to cater to that demand, offering convenient and efficient travel options for both leisure and business travelers.

Tickets for these new routes will be available for purchase starting in late September 2025, with detailed flight schedules and timings to be announced at that time. The direct flights to New Delhi and Mumbai are expected to attract a wide range of passengers, including tourists looking to explore Greece and the broader European region, as well as business travelers seeking to connect with companies in Athens and beyond. The new services will also provide an opportunity for the growing Indian diaspora in Europe to travel more easily between the two continents.

The addition of these new A321XLR aircraft also builds on Aegean’s earlier order of four A321neo LR aircraft, which were announced in April 2024. These aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, will further strengthen Aegean’s long-haul capabilities, helping the airline to continue expanding its global network. The combined order for the A321XLR and A321neo LR aircraft underscores Aegean’s commitment to investing in the latest, most advanced technology to improve operational efficiency and enhance the travel experience for its customers.

With the addition of the two A321XLRs, Aegean’s total order for Airbus A320/A321neo family aircraft now stands at 60, with 36 of these aircraft already delivered. This significant investment is part of the airline’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet and position itself as a key player in the long-haul aviation market. Aegean has been steadily expanding its network in recent years, with a particular focus on increasing its presence in emerging markets across Asia and the Middle East. The addition of the A321XLR is expected to play a key role in helping Aegean achieve its long-term growth goals and compete with other major European carriers in the global market.

The introduction of these new routes to India and the addition of the A321XLR aircraft mark a bold move by Aegean Airlines to tap into the growing demand for international travel between Europe and Asia. As travel patterns shift and passengers increasingly seek direct, convenient flights, Aegean is well-positioned to meet these demands by offering premium services on long-haul flights. The airline’s ability to offer non-stop connections between Athens and major Indian cities will provide greater flexibility and accessibility for travelers, making it easier for them to connect with destinations across Europe.

Aegean Airlines is boosting Europe-India connectivity with new direct routes to New Delhi and Mumbai, set to launch in 2026, using the advanced Airbus A321XLR aircraft. This move enhances travel options and strengthens Aegean’s presence in the growing Asian market.

Aegean Airlines’ decision to introduce two Airbus A321XLR aircraft to its fleet and launch new routes to India represents a significant step forward in its global expansion strategy. The new aircraft, with their extended range and premium amenities, will help Aegean compete effectively in the long-haul market, while the new routes to New Delhi and Mumbai will enable the airline to cater to the increasing demand for travel between Europe and Asia. As Aegean continues to grow and innovate, it is well-positioned to remain a key player in the international aviation industry.