Travelling internationally from India is becoming easier, with more airlines adding direct flights to popular destinations around the world. These new routes mean travellers can save time and avoid long layovers at connecting airports. 

Here are some of the new and upcoming direct international flights from India. 

Chennai to Réunion Island 

IndiGo has launched a new direct flight between Chennai and Réunion Island. This is the first non-stop service by an Indian airline to the French overseas territory. 

The service started on 29 April and operates every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The flight takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes. 

Flights leave Chennai at 12:20 pm and reach Réunion at 5:10 pm local time. The return flight leaves Réunion at 6:10 pm and arrives in Chennai at 2:10 am the next day. 

This new route gives travellers a much easier way to reach Réunion without changing flights in Mauritius or another city. 

Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi 

Air India Express has launched a new international service from Navi Mumbai International Airport to Abu Dhabi. 

The service started on 15 July with two flights a week on Wednesdays and Fridays. From 29 July, the airline increased the service to three flights a week by adding Sundays. 

Flight IX 207 leaves Navi Mumbai at 2:55 am and reaches Abu Dhabi at 4:35 am. The flight takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes. 

The new route gives travellers in Mumbai and nearby areas another convenient option for direct flights to the UAE. 

Delhi and Mumbai to Athens, Greece 

IndiGo launched direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens in January 2026. These services give travellers a non-stop option instead of changing flights at a Middle Eastern or European airport. 

Both routes operate three times a week using the Airbus A321XLR. One-way fares start from around Rs. 20,000. 

Mumbai to Athens 

The flight leaves Mumbai at 9:50 am and arrives in Athens at 2:15 pm on the same day. 

The return flight, 6E 1904, leaves Athens at 3:25 pm and reaches Mumbai at 2:00 am the next day. The total flight time is around 7 hours and 5 minutes. 

Delhi to Athens 

The flight from Delhi leaves at 9:10 am and reaches Athens at 2:25 pm on the same day. 

The return flight, 6E 1902, leaves Athens at 4:00 pm and arrives in Delhi at 3:10 am the next day. The journey takes around 7 hours and 40 minutes. 

Mumbai to Tokyo Haneda 

Air India has started a new non-stop service between Mumbai and Tokyo Haneda Airport. 

The service began on 15 June and operates four times a week using a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. It also adds another option for travellers alongside ANA's daily flights between Mumbai and Tokyo Narita. 

With a direct flight, travellers can avoid long layovers and reach Tokyo more easily. 

Standard fares start at around Rs. 38,438 one way and Rs. 63,075 return. Business Class return fares are around Rs. 2 lakh. 

Bengaluru to Zurich 

SWISS International Air Lines has announced a new direct service between Bengaluru and Zurich, starting in October 2026. 

The flight will operate five times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Flight LX 141 will leave Bengaluru at 4:50 am and arrive in Zurich at 10:50 am. 

The return flight will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It will leave Zurich at 1:20 pm and reach Bengaluru at 2:55 am the following day. 

Tickets are available through the airline's website and travel agency partners. 

Kolkata to Shanghai, China 

IndiGo launched direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai on 29 March. 

Flight 6E 1709 operates daily. It leaves Kolkata at 9:45 pm and arrives in Shanghai at 4:40 am the following morning. 

The return flight leaves Shanghai at 5:40 am and reaches Kolkata at 9:05 am. 

One-way fares start from around Rs. 33,267 for travel in the coming months. 

Indore to Abu Dhabi 

Air India Express now offers a direct flight between Indore and Abu Dhabi. This gives travellers from central India another option instead of connecting through Delhi, Mumbai or Hyderabad. 

The service operates four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, flight IX247 leaves Indore at 7:50 pm and reaches Abu Dhabi at 9:35 pm local time. On Sunday, the flight leaves at 8:50 pm and arrives at 10:35 pm. 

The return flight, IX248, leaves Abu Dhabi at 10:50 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and reaches Indore at 3:20 am the following day. On Sunday, it leaves Abu Dhabi at 11:50 pm and arrives in Indore at 4:20 am on Monday. 

The non-stop flight takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes. 

Guwahati to Dubai and Abu Dhabi 

Air India Express is also planning new direct services from Guwahati to the UAE. 

The direct flight from Guwahati to Dubai is scheduled to start on 4 August, followed by a Guwahati to Abu Dhabi service from 7 August. The flights are not currently bookable, and the airline is yet to announce the full details, including flight frequency, timings and fares. 

These new routes are making international travel more convenient for passengers across India, with more cities now getting direct connections to destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.