Aegean Airlines Orders Two A321XLRs to Launch Flights to India

Key Takeaways

• Aegean Airlines launches Athens–Delhi flights March 2026, Athens–Mumbai May 2026 with Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
• Indian citizens need Schengen visas; Greek/EU travelers require Indian e-Visa or visa for these direct routes.
• Business, tourism, study, family, and transit travelers qualify; document and visa preparation essential for travel.

Aegean Airlines is making a big move by ordering two Airbus A321XLR aircraft to start direct flights between Greece 🇬🇷 and India 🇮🇳. This expansion is important for travelers, businesses, and anyone interested in new travel options between these two countries. If you’re planning to fly between Greece and India, or if you want to know how these new routes might affect your travel or immigration plans, it’s important to understand who can use these flights, what you’ll need to travel, and how to prepare for your journey. This guide covers everything you need to know about the new Aegean Airlines A321XLR India routes, including eligibility, documentation, the booking process, and practical tips for a smooth experience.

Who Qualifies to Use Aegean Airlines’ New India Routes

The new direct flights from Athens to New Delhi and Mumbai are open to a wide range of travelers. Here’s who can benefit from these routes:

1. Indian Citizens Traveling to Greece or Beyond
– Indian nationals who want to visit Greece 🇬🇷 for tourism, business, education, or family reasons can use these direct flights.
– Travelers connecting through Athens to other European or Mediterranean destinations can also benefit, as Aegean Airlines has a strong network in the region.

2. Greek and European Citizens Traveling to India
– Greek citizens and residents, as well as other European Union passport holders, can use these flights to travel directly to India 🇮🇳 for tourism, business, or family visits.

3. Third-Country Nationals
– Citizens of other countries who need to travel between Greece and India, or who want to connect through Athens to other destinations, can also use these flights, provided they meet visa and entry requirements for both countries.

4. Business Travelers and Students
– Business professionals attending meetings, conferences, or trade events in either country.
– Students traveling for study abroad programs, university admissions, or research.

5. Family Visitors and Tourists
– Families visiting relatives in Greece or India.
– Tourists looking for new travel experiences between South Asia and Southern Europe.

6. Transit Passengers
– Passengers connecting through Athens to other cities in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East, or through Delhi or Mumbai to other parts of India.

Eligibility Criteria and Entry Requirements

To travel on these new Aegean Airlines A321XLR routes, you must meet the entry requirements for your destination country. Here’s a breakdown of the main criteria for both Greece and India:

A. For Indian Citizens Traveling to Greece

Visa Requirement:
– Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to enter Greece 🇬🇷. This visa allows travel to Greece and other countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Eligibility for Schengen Visa:
– Purpose of visit: tourism, business, family visit, or short-term study.
– Valid Indian passport (must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area).
– Proof of accommodation in Greece (hotel booking, invitation letter from family/friends).
– Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
– Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies.
– Return or onward flight ticket.

Example:
A student from Mumbai accepted to a summer course in Athens will need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa, provide proof of admission, accommodation, and financial means, and show a return ticket.

B. For Greek and EU Citizens Traveling to India

Visa Requirement:
– Greek and other EU citizens need an Indian visa to enter India 🇮🇳. Most travelers use the e-Visa system, which is available for tourism, business, medical, or conference visits.

Eligibility for Indian e-Visa:
– Valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of arrival in India.
– Recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned copy of the passport’s information page.
– Purpose of visit must match the visa type (tourism, business, etc.).
– Proof of onward or return travel.

Example:
A Greek businessperson attending a trade show in New Delhi can apply for an Indian business e-Visa online, upload the required documents, and receive approval by email.

C. For Third-Country Nationals

• Travelers from other countries must check both Greek and Indian visa requirements.
• Some nationalities may have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Greece or India, but most will need to apply in advance.

Required Documentation for Travel

To board the new Aegean Airlines A321XLR flights between Greece and India, you’ll need to prepare several documents. Here’s a checklist for both directions:

For Indian Citizens Flying to Greece:
– Valid Indian passport
– Schengen visa (short-stay or long-stay, depending on purpose)
– Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter)
– Proof of funds (bank statements, sponsorship letter)
– Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
– Return or onward flight ticket

For Greek/EU Citizens Flying to India:
– Valid passport (at least six months’ validity)
– Indian e-Visa or regular visa
– Passport-sized photo (for visa application)
– Proof of accommodation in India (hotel booking, invitation letter)
– Onward or return flight ticket

For All Travelers:
– COVID-19 vaccination or health documents (if required by either country at the time of travel)
– Any additional documents required by the airline (such as proof of purpose for business or study trips)

Official Links for Visa Applications:
– Schengen Visa for Greece: Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
– Indian e-Visa Application: Indian Government e-Visa Portal

Application Process Overview

A. Booking Your Flight

• Aegean Airlines will announce detailed flight schedules and open ticket sales by the end of September 2025.
• You can book tickets directly through the Aegean Airlines official website, through travel agents, or online booking platforms.
• Choose your preferred class: Business (24 lie-flat suites) or Economy (114 seats with enhanced comfort).

B. Applying for the Required Visa

For Indian Citizens (Schengen Visa):
1. Gather Documents: Passport, photos, proof of accommodation, funds, insurance, and travel plans.
2. Fill Out Application: Complete the Schengen visa application form online or at the Greek consulate.
3. Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Greek visa center or consulate.
4. Attend Interview: Submit documents and attend a visa interview if required.
5. Wait for Decision: Processing times vary, but it’s best to apply at least 15 days before your trip.

For Greek/EU Citizens (Indian e-Visa):
1. Apply Online: Visit the Indian e-Visa portal.
2. Upload Documents: Passport scan, photo, and any supporting documents.
3. Pay Fee: Use a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee.
4. Receive e-Visa: Approval is usually sent by email within 3-5 days.
5. Print and Carry: Print the e-Visa approval and carry it with your passport.

C. Preparing for Your Flight

• Check baggage allowances and cabin features for the A321XLR.
• Make sure your travel documents are valid and ready.
• Arrive at the airport early, especially for the first few months of the new route, as procedures may be new for staff and passengers.

Practical Tips for Meeting Requirements

1. Apply for Visas Early
– Visa processing can take time, especially during busy travel seasons. Start your application as soon as you book your flight.

2. Double-Check Entry Rules
– Entry requirements can change, especially for health or security reasons. Always check the latest updates from official government sources before you travel.

3. Prepare for Long Flights
– The Athens–Delhi and Athens–Mumbai flights will be among the longest operated by a European narrowbody aircraft. Bring entertainment, snacks, and any medications you may need.

4. Use Aegean’s Enhanced Services
– The A321XLR features lie-flat Business Class suites, upgraded Economy seats, 4K entertainment screens, Wi-Fi, and charging ports. Consider booking Business Class for extra comfort on these long flights.

5. Keep Copies of All Documents
– Carry both digital and paper copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and important contact information.

6. Monitor Official Announcements
– Flight schedules, ticket sales, and entry requirements may change. Check the Aegean Airlines Media Center and government websites for the latest news.

7. Plan for Connections
– If you’re connecting through Athens or Delhi/Mumbai to another destination, make sure you have the right visas for all countries you’ll enter or transit through.

8. Consider Travel Insurance
– Travel insurance is required for Schengen visas and strongly recommended for all international trips. It can help with medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

Examples and Scenarios

Example 1: Indian Tourist Visiting Greece
Priya, an Indian citizen from Mumbai, wants to visit Athens for a two-week vacation. She books a direct Aegean Airlines flight from Mumbai to Athens, applies for a Schengen tourist visa, provides her hotel booking and bank statements, and buys travel insurance. She receives her visa and enjoys a smooth, nonstop journey.

Example 2: Greek Business Traveler to India
Nikos, a Greek entrepreneur, needs to attend a trade fair in New Delhi. He applies for an Indian business e-Visa online, uploads his documents, and receives approval in three days. He books a lie-flat Business Class seat on the new Athens–Delhi route, making his trip comfortable and efficient.

Example 3: Student Connecting Through Athens
A student from India is accepted to a university in France. She books an Aegean Airlines flight from Delhi to Athens, then connects to Paris. She applies for a French Schengen visa, making sure her itinerary allows for transit through Greece.

Future Expansion and What to Watch For

Aegean Airlines plans to expand further if these India routes are successful. Possible new destinations include Bengaluru in India, as well as cities in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. The airline’s investment in the A321XLR and A321LR aircraft means more long-haul options could become available in the coming years.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move positions Aegean Airlines as a key player in connecting Southern Europe and South Asia, offering new choices for travelers and supporting business, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Aegean Airlines’ new A321XLR routes between Greece and India will start in March 2026 (Athens–Delhi) and May 2026 (Athens–Mumbai).
• Travelers must meet visa and entry requirements for both countries.
• Prepare all required documents, apply for visas early, and monitor official updates for any changes.
• Enjoy upgraded comfort and services on the new A321XLR aircraft.
• Stay informed about future route expansions and new travel opportunities.

For more details on visa requirements, visit the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information or the Indian Government e-Visa Portal. For flight schedules and booking, check the Aegean Airlines official website.

By following these steps and preparing in advance, you can make the most of Aegean Airlines’ new direct flights between Greece and India, opening up new possibilities for travel, business, and personal connections.

Learn Today

Airbus A321XLR → A long-range narrowbody aircraft designed for efficient flights up to 4,700 nautical miles; used for Greece–India routes.
Schengen Visa → Visa allowing entry to Greece and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a 180-day period.
e-Visa → Electronic visa issued online for India allowing tourism, business, or medical visits with a simpler application process.
Transit Passenger → A traveler passing through a country en route to a final destination without remaining long-term.
Business Class → Premium airline seating featuring lie-flat suites, enhanced comfort, and exclusive services for long-haul flights.

This Article in a Nutshell

Aegean Airlines introduces direct Athens–India flights using new Airbus A321XLR planes starting in 2026. These routes expand travel options for tourists, students, and business travelers. Travelers must prepare required visas and documents early for smooth trips. Enhanced onboard comfort and connectivity promise a modern, efficient journey between Greece and India.
— By VisaVerge.com