IndiGo announced plans to launch India’s first Airbus A321XLR flights on the Athens route, with operations beginning in January 2026. The airline is expected to take delivery of the aircraft by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy.
According to reports, the airline will operate six non-stop weekly flights to Athens, pending regulatory approvals. The route will link the Greek capital with both Delhi and Mumbai, offering three weekly departures from each city. With this move, IndiGo becomes the only Indian carrier to provide direct connectivity between India and Greece.
The A321XLR is a next-generation narrow-body aircraft designed for longer distances, offering a range of up to 8,700 km. IndiGo noted that this capability allows it to reach deeper into European markets while maintaining the operational efficiencies of its single-aisle fleet. The aircraft will feature two travel classes: standard Economy and IndiGoStretch, which offers extra legroom for enhanced passenger comfort.
The airline highlighted that the Athens service will cater not only to leisure travellers but also to the MICE and wedding tourism segments, while strengthening its presence across Europe. Passengers flying to Athens will also enjoy easy connections to popular Greek islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, along with other European destinations.
Speaking on the launch, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers called Athens a “symbolic milestone” for the airline and for India’s aviation sector. He emphasized that direct flights between India and Greece strengthen modern bilateral and economic ties while supporting the country’s growing tourism and business travel demand. Elbers added that the airline aims to expand connectivity further within Greece, connecting more cities over time.
The launch of the A321XLR to Athens comes amid robust growth in the India–Europe aviation market, driven by tourism and trade. Greece is emerging as an important hub for cultural and business exchange, while India continues to be one of Europe’s fastest-growing outbound markets.
IndiGo currently operates over 2,200 daily flights to more than 90 domestic and 40 international destinations. As of September 14, 2025, the airline’s fleet comprises 400 aircraft, with 349 in active operation and 51 grounded, according to Planespotter.com.
