Published on
November 3, 2025
Greece is experiencing an aviation boom in 2026, as new routes, bigger aircraft, and enhanced connectivity transform global travel access to the country. With international airlines launching new direct flights and increasing frequencies, travelers from key markets like the United States, India, and Europe will find it easier to reach Greece. The deployment of larger aircraft to accommodate higher demand reflects the growing popularity of Greece as a top destination. These developments are not only reshaping travel to Greece but also positioning the country as a more accessible and well-connected hub for global tourism in 2026.
United Airlines Strengthens US-Greece Route
One of the most prominent changes comes from United Airlines, which is set to boost its flights between Washington D.C. (Dulles) and Athens starting in April 2026. The airline will upgrade its daily seasonal flight by replacing the Boeing 787-8 with a larger 777-200ER. This upgrade increases the seat capacity, making more room for travelers, particularly during peak summer months. By offering greater capacity, United is catering to the growing demand for direct connections between the US and Greece, positioning the airline as a significant player in transatlantic travel to Greece.
Chair Airlines to Launch New Swiss-Greek Routes
Chair Airlines, based in Switzerland, is also enhancing its services to Greece in 2026. The airline will begin summer flights to Patras earlier than originally planned, with the first flights starting June 13, 2026. Chair Airlines will operate two routes linking Zurich to Patras and Vlora, Albania, with flights operated weekly on an Airbus A319. This expansion comes as demand rises for flights to Greece’s lesser-known regions, and it will offer Swiss travelers more options for exploring the Peloponnese, a popular yet quieter part of Greece.
IndiGo Connects India and Greece with New Flights
India’s low-cost carrier, IndiGo, is also increasing its connectivity to Greece by launching new routes between Delhi and Athens, as well as Mumbai and Athens. Starting January 23, 2026, IndiGo will operate three weekly flights on each of these routes using the Airbus A321XLR, a new long-range variant of the A321. The Delhi-Athens service will depart at 09:10 and arrive in Athens at 14:25, with the return flight departing Athens at 16:00 and arriving in Delhi at 03:10 the next day. Similarly, the Mumbai-Athens route will operate on the same days and times. These new flights are a major step in facilitating travel between India and Greece, offering more flexibility for tourists, students, and business professionals looking to travel between the two countries.
Cyprus Airways Revives Larnaca-Heraklion Route
Cyprus Airways is reintroducing its service between Larnaca and Heraklion, starting in December 2025. This route will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, using an Airbus A220 aircraft. The revival of this route will provide greater ease for Cypriot travelers looking to visit Crete, one of Greece’s most famous islands, known for its ancient ruins and vibrant culture. It will also offer international visitors from Cyprus an easy connection to one of the most important historical sites in Greece, Heraklion.
Discover Airlines Enhances Crete Service
In response to rising demand, Discover Airlines is temporarily upgrading its Munich to Heraklion service in November 2025. The airline will replace the smaller Airbus A320 with a larger Airbus A330-300 for two specific flights on November 1 and 8. This temporary upgrade will provide more capacity for travelers heading to Crete, a popular destination for both beachgoers and culture enthusiasts. The route will still operate nine times per week, and the upgrade will make it easier for passengers to book their flights during the busy travel period.
Air Canada Expands Athens Partnership with Aegean Airlines
Air Canada is further strengthening its connection to Greece by expanding its codeshare partnership with Aegean Airlines. As of October 2025, this expanded partnership includes new routes between Athens and Istanbul, as well as Athens and Tirana, operated by Aegean. This expansion allows Air Canada customers more options to travel to Greece from various international destinations, improving connectivity for travelers coming from the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Additionally, Aegean Airlines has also expanded its codeshare cooperation with Air Serbia, allowing for more routes between Belgrade and several other European cities.
Wizz Air UK Concludes London-Athens Service
Wizz Air UK is concluding its London to Athens service with its final flight on November 3, 2025. While the carrier’s daily Airbus A321neo flights have been a popular option for travelers seeking affordable connections between the UK and Greece, the end of this service highlights the competitive nature of the low-cost carrier market. While Wizz Air UK is winding down this route, other carriers are likely to step in to meet the demand for affordable travel between the UK and Greece, continuing to offer budget-friendly options for UK-based travelers.
Greece’s aviation boom in 2026, driven by new routes, larger aircraft, and enhanced connectivity, is making the country more accessible to global travelers than ever before. These upgrades are reshaping how people connect to Greece, boosting its position as a key travel hub.
Greece’s Growing Role in International Travel
With these expansions and new routes, Greece is rapidly becoming an even more accessible destination for global travelers. The new and upgraded flights ensure that visitors from around the world can reach Greece with greater ease, whether for a cultural experience, a business trip, or a holiday to the country’s islands. As airlines like United, IndiGo, and Chair Airlines increase their offerings, the Greek tourism industry stands to benefit from a boost in international visitors. These developments not only enhance Greece’s position as a global travel hub but also provide travelers with greater flexibility and options when planning their trips to this iconic destination.
