Flights to India from Europe — how to get to Delhi, how long it takes and when to book

International flights are not included in the price of any of our trips — and how to get to India is one of the questions we hear most often. Which routes work from Europe, how long does it take, is a non-stop flight worth paying extra for, and what actually happens when you land in Delhi at three in the morning? Below we answer in turn. We deliberately do not quote fares: they change from week to week, and any figure written today would be wrong tomorrow.

The short answer

Most trips to northern India start in Delhi. From Europe you either fly non-stop — from a handful of capitals, such as London or Warsaw — or with one connection, either at a European hub (Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Istanbul) or in the Gulf (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi). A connection makes the journey longer, but it opens up far more departure cities and times.

Non-stop flights to Delhi

Only a few European cities have non-stop flights to Delhi. Two examples:

• London Heathrow — Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic all fly non-stop to Delhi, with a scheduled flight time of roughly ten hours.
• Warsaw — LOT Polish Airlines flies to Delhi (LO71, return LO72) with Boeing 787 Dreamliners, several times a week. The scheduled flight time is about 7 hours 35 minutes; in the autumn 2026 timetable it leaves Warsaw in the afternoon and lands in Delhi at around 3 am local time, with the return leaving Delhi in the morning. It also works as a one-stop option for travellers from other European cities connecting in Warsaw.

One thing worth knowing: since April 2025 Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian airlines, so Air India and IndiGo flights to Europe take longer routes than before. Check the scheduled duration when you compare options.

Flights with one connection

All the large carriers with hubs in Europe and the Gulf fly to Delhi. You fly to the hub, change, and continue. Total journey time depends mostly on the length of the connection — expect it to be noticeably longer than a non-stop flight.

As of October 2026. Networks and frequencies change with the seasons — check the airline's timetable for your dates before you book.

Via the Gulf: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi

Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad fly to Delhi several times a day, so it is easy to pick an arrival time. In fairness, though: air traffic over the Middle East was repeatedly disrupted in 2026. Because of armed conflict in the region, parts of its airspace were closed at times, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued conflict-zone warnings to EU operators covering the Persian Gulf. The hubs are operating, but before booking a Gulf connection, check the current situation and the rebooking conditions of your fare.

Via Europe: Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Istanbul, Warsaw

Lufthansa flies to Delhi from Frankfurt and Munich, Austrian Airlines from Vienna, Turkish Airlines daily from Istanbul and LOT from Warsaw. A good choice if you prefer to connect in Europe. Bear in mind that arrival times in Delhi on these routes often fall at night too.

When to book

We do not give fare ranges, because we do not want to publish numbers that will not be true next month. A few rules hold regardless of price:

• Confirmed trip dates first, ticket second. A group trip runs once it reaches its minimum number of travellers — buy your flight only once departure is confirmed.
• Book the festive season early. Late December and early January is peak travel time — more about a winter trip in India in December and winter.
• Read the fare rules. The cheapest tickets often allow no date change or refund. On a long-haul trip booked well in advance, flexibility can be worth paying for.
• Count the whole budget. How the flight compares with the programme price, the visa and spending money — see how much does a trip to India cost.

Baggage, seats and jet lag

• Baggage depends on the fare. Do not assume a large suitcase is included — check the allowance when you book. On a connection with two airlines, make sure your bag is checked through to Delhi.
• Domestic flights have lower limits. On our Nepal and India programme, for example, it is 20 kg checked plus 7 kg hand luggage on the flights to and from Kathmandu, and 15 kg + 7 kg on the Delhi–Khajuraho leg. Pack for the lowest limit on your route — tips in what to pack for India.
• Keep moving in the air. On long flights the NHS advises flexing your feet and calves regularly, walking about when it is safe, drinking water and going easy on alcohol. If you have had a blood clot or recent surgery, or have other risk factors, talk to your doctor before you fly.
• Jet lag is mild from Europe. India runs on UTC+5:30 all year: 3.5 hours ahead of Central European summer time and 4.5 hours ahead in winter. Treat the first day as a gentle start — which is why arrival day in our programmes is mostly a transfer and rest.

Landing in Delhi: immigration, e-visa, transfer

Most nationalities need a visa arranged before departure — for tourism usually an e-visa. Who needs one and how to apply is covered in do you need a visa for India. Since 1 October 2025 foreign nationals must also complete an e-Arrival Card — online or in the official app, within 72 hours before arrival. Do it before you leave for the airport, not in the queue.

After landing: passport control with your e-visa, baggage reclaim, customs. Queues may be shorter at night, but allow time for waiting.

What to do about a 3 am arrival

• Book the hotel from the night before. If you land before dawn, a room booked from your departure date means you can go straight to bed instead of waiting for an afternoon check-in.
• Cash to start with. You can change a little money for small expenses at the airport — rates, cards and ATMs are covered in money in India.
• Transfer. In our programmes day 1 is arrival in Delhi and a transfer to the hotel, and on several trips airport transfers are listed explicitly among the services included. If you arrive on a different day or flight from the group, confirm when booking whether the transfer covers your arrival.

Your flight and the trip: matching dates

The programme begins with arrival in Delhi and ends with departure from Delhi, so you are looking for a return ticket on the same dates. Before you buy, send us your flight numbers — we will check the times fit the programme. The exception is the short trips from Goa: there the starting point is your beach hotel, and the road transfer or domestic flights are part of the programme — more in side trips from Goa. If this is your first visit, read first time in India as well.

Sources

• LOT Polish Airlines — flights to Delhi (route, aircraft)
• FlightStats — flight LO71 Warsaw–Delhi (times, duration)
• FlightConnections — non-stop flights London Heathrow–Delhi
• Emirates — flights Dubai–Delhi
• Qatar Airways — flights Doha–Delhi
• Etihad — flights Abu Dhabi–Delhi
• Lufthansa — flights Munich–Delhi
• Austrian Airlines — flights Vienna–Delhi
• FlightsFrom — Turkish Airlines Istanbul–Delhi schedule
• EASA — conflict zone information bulletin, Middle East and Persian Gulf
• Al Jazeera — Middle East airspace closures, 28 February 2026
• Skift — Pakistan's airspace closure for Indian airlines
• Embassy of India — e-Arrival Card (72 hours before arrival)
• Indian Visa Online — official e-visa portal
• NHS — deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and travel
• 24timezones — time difference between India and Central Europe

Frequently asked questions