IndiGo to launch direct flights to Greece from January 2026 using India's first Airbus A321XLR aircraft

Athens, Greece will be the first destination to be served by India’s first upcoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft, according to an official announcement by IndiGo Airlines. The airline is scheduled to receive the aircraft by the end of 2025 and will begin six weekly direct flights to Athens from January 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

With this launch, IndiGo will become the only Indian airline to offer direct flight services between India and Greece. The routes will connect Athens with both Delhi and Mumbai, operating three flights per week from each city.

The new services will also provide access to Greek islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, along with connections to other European cities. IndiGo said the flights will support leisure travel, MICE, and wedding tourism, while strengthening its presence in Europe.


The A321XLR aircraft is launched for long-range operations with a reach of up to 8,700 km. IndiGo said the aircraft will allow it to expand further into Europe while retaining the cost benefits of a single-aisle fleet. The aircraft will feature standard Economy seating along with IndiGoStretch, offering more legroom, in-flight entertainment, and enhanced cabin experience.

The launch of the Athens route comes at a time when the India-Europe aviation market is growing. Greece is positioning itself as a hub for tourism and trade, while India is among the fastest-growing outbound markets for Europe. IndiGo said direct flights to Athens will help boost tourism, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries.

“Athens as the inaugural destination for IndiGo’s, and India’s, first Airbus A321XLR is a symbolic milestone of India’s aviation ascent. IndiGo is proud to be the only Indian airline, currently, to announce direct flights between India and Greece – two ancient civilizations with a history of long-standing relationship, now deepened by modern-day bilateral and economic ties. This new aviation corridor is a strategic step in IndiGo’s international expansion and aligns perfectly with India’s growing economy and tourism industry. With flight schedules ensuring convenience for travellers, we are confident that this route will further encourage demand for business and leisure travel alike. With this, we also look to connect to more points in Greece, strengthening the connectivity between the two countries,” said Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo.