IndiGo Leads the Way: First Indian Airline to Operate Airbus A321XLR
IndiGo has made a significant mark in aviation history by becoming the first Indian airline to take delivery of the Airbus A321XLR. The aircraft arrived in Delhi on January 7, 2026, signifying a significant milestone in the carrier’s international expansion strategy.
The A321XLR is set to debut on non-stop services from Mumbai to Athens starting January 23, 2026. This will be followed by Delhi to Athens on January 24, with operations three times weekly on both routes. The aircraft boasts 12 business class seats in a 2×2 configuration with a 44-inch pitch, and 183 economy seats equipped with advanced RECARO seating designed for long-duration flights.
IndiGo has a firm order of 40 A321XLRs, with nine expected to be delivered in 2026. The aircraft’s impressive 4,700 nautical mile range enables the airline to reach previously inaccessible markets across Europe, East Asia, and Africa. “IndiGo is honoured to be the first Indian airline to welcome the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet,” said CEO Pieter Elbers. Future deployments will include routes to Istanbul and Denpasar.
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