New Delhi — IndiGo on Monday announced that Athens will be the inaugural destination for its upcoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking a major milestone for both the airline and Indian aviation. With India’s first A321XLR expected to join its fleet by the end of 2025, the airline plans to commence six weekly direct flights to Athens by early January 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

IndiGo’s first XLR route

This new service will make IndiGo the only Indian carrier to operate non-stop flights to Greece, directly linking Athens with Delhi and Mumbai. The airline intends to schedule three flights per week from each city, offering a total of six weekly connections between India and Greece.

Athens was chosen as the inaugural destination in part due to its cultural ties with India and its position as a growing hub for European tourism and trade. With these direct flights, passengers will gain easier access not just to the Greek capital but also to the popular islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, as well as several regional European cities.

A boost to travel and tourism

The Athens connection is expected to significantly boost leisure travel, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), and wedding tourism between the two countries. According to industry experts, direct connectivity will also make Greece a more attractive choice for Indian travellers, while supporting bilateral trade and cultural exchange.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, highlighted the symbolic importance of this move:

“Athens as the inaugural destination for IndiGo’s and India’s first Airbus A321XLR is a symbolic milestone of India’s aviation ascent. We are proud to be the only Indian airline to announce direct flights between India and Greece — two ancient civilisations with long-standing ties, now deepened by modern-day bilateral and economic relations.”

Elbers further stated that the new aviation corridor will strengthen IndiGo’s international expansion strategy, aligning with India’s rapidly growing economy and tourism industry.

About the Airbus A321XLR

The Airbus A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) is a next-generation narrow-body aircraft designed for long-haul routes. With a range of up to 8,700 km, it allows airlines to operate non-stop flights on routes previously served only by wide-body aircraft, but with the cost-efficiency of a single-aisle jet.

IndiGo’s A321XLR will offer Economy Class seating along with IndiGoStretch, which provides extra legroom, enhanced comfort, in-flight entertainment, and an upgraded cabin experience. The aircraft’s long range will open up more non-stop connections between India and Europe, enabling IndiGo to expand its footprint further west while maintaining competitive pricing.

Strategic significance

The launch comes at a time when the India–Europe aviation market is expanding, fuelled by both business and leisure demand. India is now among the fastest-growing outbound travel markets for Europe, and Greece, with its rising profile as a tourism and trade hub, complements this growth perfectly.

IndiGo has signalled that Athens is only the beginning, with plans to eventually expand to other destinations in Greece and beyond. By offering direct connectivity, the airline aims to make Greece one of the top travel preferences for Indian tourists while also encouraging inbound travel from Europe into India.

Conclusion

With the introduction of its first A321XLR and direct services to Athens, IndiGo is not only making history as the first Indian airline to fly non-stop to Greece but also taking a decisive step toward reshaping India–Europe connectivity. The move reflects the airline’s ambitions to position itself as a strong player in the international aviation market, creating new opportunities for travellers, businesses, and cultural exchanges alike.