The launch marks Aegean’s debut in the Indian market and aligns with the carrier's international expansion strategy. The airline will soon incorporate two new Airbus A321neo XLR aircraft, offering an extended range of up to 10.5 hours. These aircraft will provide open opportunities to accelerate India's operations and additional long-haul connections.
Bird Travels, the leading airline management branch, has announced an executive partnership with the flag carrier of Greece, marking the beginning of direct flight operations from Delhi and Mumbai in the first quarter of 2026. The official flight plan will be confirmed by the end of the late 2025, when the point of ticket sales will also open.
The launch marks Aegean's debut in the Indian market and comes in line with the carrier's international expansion strategy. The airline will shortly induct two new Airbus A321neo XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft offering an extended range of up to 10.5 hours. These aircraft will be deployed to accelerate the start of India operations and open opportunities for additional long-haul connections.
The A321neo XLR fleet features upgraded cabin comfort for long-haul travel, including 138 seats in a customised configuration with 24 Business Class Suites offering fully lie-flat beds, enhanced privacy and direct aisle access. The cabins also include an in-flight entertainment system with a 4K screen, satellite WiFi, USB and device charging ports and extra-large bins designed for extended journeys. Aegean plans to begin with five weekly flights from New Delhi in March 2026, followed by the launch of three weekly flights from Mumbai in May 2026. Bird Travels will act as the airline's exclusive General Sales Agent for India, overseeing sales, marketing, customer service, and distribution.
Roland Jaggi, Chief Commercial Officer of Aegean, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with Bird Travels, a trusted and eminent aviation partner in India, as we prepare to launch direct flights from both Delhi and Mumbai to Athens starting in early 2026. This marks a significant milestone in our international expansion. And reflects our strong commitment to strengthening connectivity between Greece and India. Additionally of our new Airbus A321neo XLR aircraft aligns with the four A321neo LRs, accelerating our access to the significant Indian market.
This also enables us to upgrade our product and service to destinations outside the EU, including those with travel times exceeding four hours, which we already operate. We are confident that with Bird Travels' expertise, Aegeans will successfully establish its footprint in India, offering travellers a seamless and premium gateway to Europe and beyond."
Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director Bird Group, added: "We are very excited to see this planning partnership with Aegean beginning to unfold into a myriad of elevated travel experiences from New Delhi and Mumbai very shortly connecting to Athens and further to Europe and the rest of the world. Aegean is a renowned airline with a strong reputation for quality service and connectivity. Given our expertise and network, there are exciting times ahead for the dynamic Indian travel market and discerning Indian travellers."
As part of this partnership, Bird Travels will leverage its extensive sales network and deep market understanding to promote Aegean's services to Indian travellers seeking premium direct access to Greece and onward European destinations.
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