IndiGo launches direct flights to Athens with India’s first A321XLR

IndiGo is set to launch direct flights three times a week to Athens from Mumbai and Delhi using India’s first Airbus A321XLR aircraft. In the official statement made by the company, it was stated that the inaugural flights were planned to be held on January 23 and 24, 2026, and that this was an important milestone in the airline’s international expansion strategy.

The move positions IndiGo as the only Indian carrier offering direct connectivity between India and Greece, benefiting from growing travel demand to Europe’s emerging destination, Athens. The launch of the A321XLR aircraft allows IndiGo to expand its reach into Southern Europe, maintaining cost efficiency while expanding international coverage.

The new generation narrow-body aircraft, Airbus A321XLR, has a range of up to 8,700 kilometers. This capability allows IndiGo to operate non-stop flights from India to Southern Europe, strengthening its long-haul narrow body operations. The aircraft is configured with 12 IndiGoStretch seats with 44 inches of seat pitch and 6 inches of recline, as well as 183 Economy Class seats with 31 inches of seat pitch and 5 inches of recline, providing passengers with a comfortable travel experience.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, said: “We are excited to announce our flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Athens on India’s first Airbus A321XLR aircraft. This significant development marks the beginning of a new era for IndiGo’s long-range narrow body operations and makes us the only Indian airline to offer direct connectivity between India and Greece. This new We believe that the routes will play a vital role in strengthening cultural heritage. and economic ties between the two ancient civilizations.

“As outbound travel from India continues to expand, Athens is emerging as a key European destination for leisure, MICE and wedding tourism. This direct connection will also unlock significant potential for greater bilateral engagement. With the introduction of the A321XLR aircraft into our fleet, IndiGo will increasingly operate deeper into Europe while maintaining the cost efficiency and operational reliability that has long defined our service.” “will be able to show it,” he added.

Flight Schedule

The flight schedule of the Mumbai-Athens route will operate on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays, with flights departing from Mumbai at 09:50 and arriving in Athens at 14:15. Return flights from Athens depart at 15.25 and arrive in Mumbai at 02.00 the next day. The Delhi-Athens route operates on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and flights depart from Delhi at 09:10 and arrive in Athens at 14:25. Return flights from Athens depart at 16:00 and arrive in Delhi at 03:10 the next day. All timings are in local time zones and are subject to regulatory approvals.

Bookings for IndiGo’s newly announced routes are now open via the airline’s official website, mobile app and authorized travel partners.

Disclaimer: This article was created using AI tools and has been editorially reviewed for clarity and consistency.