Summary: Athens expands international connectivity in 2026 with new and returning routes to Seoul, New Delhi, Mumbai, Gdansk, Tallinn and Lisbon, plus earlier-than-planned resumptions of several U.S. services.

Athens new flight routes for 2026 are set to broaden the city’s global links, offering direct services to long-haul destinations in Asia, fresh connections across Eastern Europe, and expanded transatlantic options. The updated schedule announced at Athens International Airport brings a mix of new services and the return of previously suspended routes, giving travellers more direct, convenient options from Greece’s capital.

What’s changing for 2026

The 2026 schedule reflects shifting passenger demand and a push for greater long-haul connectivity. Several carriers are adding or resuming services to meet demand from leisure travellers, business flyers and diaspora communities. Key highlights include the return of direct flights to Seoul, new services to major Indian cities from a low-cost carrier, new links into northern and Baltic Europe, and the comeback of Lisbon and multiple U.S. routes.

Asian connections deepen

After a two-year break, Athens will be linked once again with South Korea. Starting in April 2026, Korean Air plans to operate charter flights between Athens and Seoul, restoring a direct gateway between the two capitals. At the same time, IndiGo — one of India’s largest low-cost carriers — is launching direct services from Athens to New Delhi and Mumbai, expanding access to South Asia for travellers based in Greece and the surrounding region.

  • Korean Air: charter flights to and from Seoul starting in April 2026
  • IndiGo: new direct routes linking Athens with New Delhi and Mumbai

Fresh routes to Eastern Europe

Athens’ European network is also expanding beyond traditional hubs. Wizz Air will introduce a direct service to Gdansk in northern Poland from May 2026, making the city more accessible to Greek travellers. Meanwhile, AirBaltic is launching direct flights to Tallinn, Estonia, from April, opening the door to the Baltics and their mix of medieval charm and modern culture.

  • Wizz Air: Athens–Gdansk from May 2026 (only carrier offering this route from Athens)
  • AirBaltic: Athens–Tallinn from April 2026
Passengers boarding an aircraft at Athens International Airport illustrating new flight routes to Asia and Europe
Athens International Airport will see several new and returning routes in 2026, improving connectivity to Asia, Eastern Europe and the U.S.

Lisbon returns and U.S. services advance

TAP Air Portugal will resume flights between Athens and Lisbon on July 1, 2026, marking its return after nearly 14 years away from the route. Greek carriers already serve Lisbon, but TAP’s comeback adds capacity and schedule variety. Across the Atlantic, major U.S. carriers are bringing forward or restarting services: American Airlines will resume flights to Dallas on May 21, 2026; Delta is moving the Athens–Atlanta resumption forward by 20 days; and United (Chicago), Delta (Boston) and American (Charlotte) will restart operations two weeks earlier than originally planned.

  • TAP Air Portugal: Athens–Lisbon from July 1, 2026 (return after nearly 14 years)
  • American Airlines: Athens–Dallas resumes May 21, 2026
  • Delta Airlines: Athens–Atlanta resumption moved forward by 20 days
  • United (Chicago), Delta (Boston), American (Charlotte): service restarts two weeks earlier than planned

Practical tips for travellers

With higher demand expected on several of these routes, travellers should plan ahead. Book early for popular long-haul services such as Seoul, New Delhi, Mumbai and Lisbon to secure better fares and schedules. Budget carriers like Wizz Air and AirBaltic may offer lower-cost options for Eastern Europe, while legacy airlines provide added frequency and connections for transatlantic trips.

  • Book early for long-haul and popular seasonal routes
  • Compare low-cost and legacy carriers for price vs. convenience
  • Consider connecting itineraries where direct services are limited
  • Check airport facilities and entry requirements for new destinations

Why this matters: expanded direct services from Athens reduce travel time, broaden holiday and business options, and strengthen Greece’s role as a regional travel hub. For travellers, the changes mean more choices, potentially better pricing from competition, and new cultural and commercial links that make planning trips easier. Whether you’re seeking short European breaks or long-haul connections to Asia and the U.S., Athens’ 2026 schedule offers significantly greater flexibility.