New Delhi, India: IndiGo has inducted India’s first Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking a major milestone in the airline’s long-term international expansion and positioning narrow-body operations for longer intercontinental routes. The aircraft arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, on Tuesday and will begin commercial operations later this month.
The airline will deploy the A321XLR on its upcoming non-stop services from Mumbai to Athens starting January 23, followed by Delhi–Athens flights from January 24, with both routes operating three times a week. These services will provide India’s first direct connectivity to Greece, significantly reducing travel time compared to one-stop itineraries via West Asia or Europe.
The Airbus A321XLR is the extra-long-range variant of the A321neo family, offering a range of up to 8,700 kilometres with improved fuel efficiency. The aircraft enables airlines to operate thinner long-haul routes that were previously uneconomical for wide-body aircraft.
IndiGo said the induction aligns with its strategy to expand medium- and long-haul international operations while maintaining cost discipline. The aircraft features a dual-class configuration with 12 ‘IndiGoStretch’ premium seats and 183 economy seats, equipped with RECARO seating designed for long-duration flights.
According to the airline, the premium IndiGoStretch cabin is arranged in a 2-2 layout with a 44-inch seat pitch, while economy seats offer a 31-inch pitch. The cabin includes in-seat power, adjustable headrests, improved recline, and device holders.
IndiGo has partnered with Bluebox to provide a wireless inflight entertainment system accessible on passengers’ personal devices. On the Athens routes, the airline will offer complimentary hot meals and beverages, with vegetarian meals as default and non-vegetarian options available through pre-booking. Alcoholic beverages will be complimentary for IndiGoStretch passengers and available for purchase in economy.
IndiGo has a firm order for 40 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with nine deliveries expected during calendar year 2026. After the initial Athens deployment, future A321XLRs are planned for routes such as Istanbul and Denpasar (Bali). The airline has also indicated that subsequent deliveries will support expansion into new destinations across Europe and East Asia.
IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers said the induction of the A321XLR would allow the airline to reach new international markets and strengthen India’s global air connectivity. Airbus and engine manufacturer CFM International described the delivery as a significant step in expanding long-range single-aisle operations from India.
The entry of the A321XLR into Indian service is viewed as a structural shift in international network planning, enabling point-to-point connectivity on long sectors without the capacity and cost burden of wide-body aircraft. For Indian aviation, the development supports broader ambitions to establish the country as a global aviation hub with enhanced direct international links.
