IndiGo to Launch Direct Flights to Athens from January 2026

IndiGo to Begin Direct Flights to Athens with First Airbus A321XLR

IndiGo has announced plans to launch direct flights to Athens, Greece, beginning in January 2026. The airline will use its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft for this service. IndiGo intends to operate flights three times a week from both Delhi and Mumbai, pending regulatory approval. Athens will be the first European destination served by IndiGo using its own aircraft, following prior operations in Europe with damp-leased wide-body planes.

The A321XLR, a narrow-body aircraft with extended range, can cover up to 8,700 km, allowing non-stop flights to Southern Europe while maintaining fleet efficiency. IndiGo expects delivery of its first A321XLR by the end of 2025.

This expansion forms part of IndiGo’s internationalisation strategy, which has seen the airline add destinations across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. In FY 2025-26, IndiGo plans to launch ten new international destinations, five of which are in Europe and the UK, increasing its international network to 51 cities.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said: “Athens as the first destination for IndiGo’s A321XLR represents a key step in strengthening India-Europe connectivity. Direct flights between India and Greece will support both business and tourism exchanges, reflecting the growth in India’s outbound travel market.”

IndiGo will offer complimentary hot meals for all passengers on long-haul flights, along with a business class service for routes to Europe, including Athens. The airline also plans to introduce additional Airbus A321XLR and A350 aircraft to enhance its long-range international services.

The move aligns with IndiGo’s strategy to grow its international presence while maintaining operational efficiency and offering new connectivity options for Indian travellers to Europe.