Europe becomes more accessible to Indians as foreign airlines adds more flights

Air France has introduced a second thrice-weekly flight from Paris to Delhi, as well as an additional thrice-weekly service from Paris to Mumbai, in response to rising travel demand.

These new flights will be available until February, providing more options for passengers traveling between India and France. The expansion is part of Air France’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity with India, focusing on major cities and using advanced aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing B777.

In a parallel move, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will increase its Bengaluru-Amsterdam route frequency from four to six flights per week. Additionally, KLM will operate a second thrice-weekly flight from Amsterdam to Delhi from January through March. The airline will deploy Boeing 787 aircraft on these routes, known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

This enhancement in connectivity by Air France and KLM aligns with the airlines’ efforts to cater to the growing business and tourism exchange between Europe and India, leveraging advanced fleets to ensure an efficient and comfortable travel experience.

The decision by Air France and KLM to boost their India-Europe services comes as Indian tourism to the European Union ( EU) reaches new highs. Over the past few years, European countries have seen a steady rise in Indian visitors, driven by increased disposable incomes, a strong interest in cultural tourism, and favorable exchange rates.

Destinations such as Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, and Barcelona have become top choices for Indian travelers, who are drawn to Europe’s rich history, scenic landscapes, and diverse experiences. This surge in outbound tourism from India has led European airlines to strengthen their presence in major Indian cities to meet the growing demand.

Supporting this growth in Indian tourism, the Schengen visa process has seen gradual simplification, making it more accessible for Indian travelers. Recent initiatives include shorter visa processing times and streamlined documentation requirements, helping ease travel plans for both leisure and business visitors from India.

In addition, some European countries are piloting more flexible visa policies, such as offering multi-entry visas and longer validity periods for frequent travelers, which has further encouraged travel from India.