Greece and India are entering a new phase of cooperation following the launch of the first-ever direct airline connection between the two countries, a move expected to significantly boost tourism, investment activity, and economic ties.
The non-stop flights, operated by India’s largest airline IndiGo, connect New Delhi and Mumbai with Athens, marking a historic milestone in air connectivity between the two nations.
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni confirmed plans to open two new diplomatic missions in Mumbai and Bangalore in 2026, a move aimed at further facilitating travel, strengthening investment links, and deepening cooperation not only in tourism but across the wider economic sector.
Kefalogianni, who visited India this week, emphasized that strengthening Greece’s presence in the Indian market is a strategic government priority. During her visit, she met with her Indian counterpart, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to discuss expanding bilateral tourism cooperation. The minister highlighted the importance of the new direct air link, noting that Greece’s national carrier, AEGEAN Airlines, is also expected to launch direct flights to India in the near future, further enhancing connectivity.
The two ministers agreed to move forward with a new bilateral tourism cooperation agreement to be signed later this year. The agreement will focus on the exchange of expertise, tourism education, and the promotion of student exchange programs between tourism education institutions in both countries.
The new air connection is expected to support growing tourism flows as interest among Indian travelers in Greece continues to rise. It also builds on recent high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
In 2024, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Earlier this week, Modi welcomed the newly finalized India-EU free trade agreement, describing it as a “significant milestone” that opens the door to expanded economic opportunities.
Kefalogianni noted that, combined with the new direct flights, Greece is laying strong foundations for deeper tourism ties and broader economic and business relations between India and Greece, both bilaterally and within the wider EU-India framework.
