IndiGo Inducts India’s First Airbus A321XLR, Expanding Long-Haul Reach

New aircraft to operate non-stop Athens services from Mumbai and Delhi

IndiGo becomes the first Indian airline to induct the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet, with the aircraft arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, on January 7, 2026. The induction marks a milestone in the airline’s long-term international expansion strategy.

The Airbus A321XLR will be deployed on IndiGo’s upcoming non-stop services connecting Mumbai to Athens from January 23, 2026, and Delhi to Athens from January 24, 2026. Both routes will operate three times a week.

The A321XLR is a next-generation narrow-body aircraft with a range of up to 8,700 kilometres. The aircraft is designed to support longer international routes while maintaining operational efficiency. IndiGo’s aircraft is configured with a dual-class cabin featuring 12 IndiGoStretch seats and 183 economy class seats.

Both cabins are equipped with RECARO seating, designed for long-duration travel. The aircraft features IndiGoStretch seating in a two-by-two configuration, while economy class seating offers standard pitch and recline for extended flights.

IndiGo has a firm order for 40 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, of which 9 are scheduled for delivery in 2026. Following the initial deployment on the Athens routes, subsequent aircraft will be introduced on existing international services, including Istanbul and Denpasar. Future deliveries are expected to support expansion into additional destinations across Europe and East Asia.

Commenting on the induction, Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo is honoured to be the first Indian airline to welcome the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet – an important milestone as we prepare to redefine long-haul travel for India. The advanced capabilities of this aircraft enable us to reach newer regions across the globe and further strengthen India’s position as a key player in international aviation. This reinforces our commitment to giving wings to the nation by connecting it to the world.”

“We are happy to partner with Airbus and RECARO on this journey as we combine next-generation aircraft performance, enhanced fuel efficiency, and a thoughtfully designed cabin environment to deliver a comfortable, onboard experience,” he added.

Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia, said, "The arrival of the first A321XLR marks a new milestone in our journey with IndiGo and a proud moment for Indian aviation. We are honoured by the trust IndiGo places in Airbus, and we remain committed to supporting the airline as it continues to give wings to the nation’s aviation aspirations. By opening up mid-to-long-haul routes that were previously unreachable by single-aisle aircraft, this delivery serves as a catalyst for IndiGo's international growth while significantly enhancing India’s global connectivity. The A321XLR will act as a bridge, linking Indian cities to new destinations across the world and further support India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.”

Dr Mark Hiller, Chief Executive Officer of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding, said, “A great moment for celebration, the IndiGo maiden flight with the A321XLR and a cabin fully equipped with the RECARO premium seating solutions, R5 in business class and R2 in economy class. Both seats come with unparalleled comfort features, which will make the flight a very pleasant one for all IndiGo passengers. Congratulations to the whole IndiGo team and Pieter Elbers for kicking off 2026 with this spectacular highlight. A true testament for the RECARO vision - driving comfort in the sky.”

Gaël Méheust, President and Chief Executive Officer of CFM International, said, “We are honored to be such an integral part of IndiGo’s continued success and are very excited by today’s introduction of the LEAP-powered A321XLR. The extra-long-range capability of the aircraft, coupled with the benefits provided by our LEAP engines – including the more durable configuration we continue to roll out – launches an important new phase for IndiGo and its future growth.”

IndiGo’s Airbus A321XLR aircraft will also feature a digital in-flight entertainment system, developed in partnership with Bluebox, allowing passengers to access entertainment on personal devices. Complimentary hot meals and beverages will be served on the Athens routes, with vegetarian meals as the default and non-vegetarian options available upon pre-booking. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase in economy class and offered to IndiGoStretch customers.