India’s largest airline, IndiGo, announced on Wednesday, 7 January, that the first Airbus A321 XLR aircraft has successfully landed in Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation industry.

IndiGo becomes the first Indian airline to include an Airbus A321XLR in its fleet. The long-range version of the Airbus A321neo arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi this morning. It will operate on the airline’s upcoming non-stop routes from Mumbai to Athens starting 23 January 2026, and from Delhi to Athens from 24 January 2026, with flights three times weekly on both routes.

The Airbus A321XLR, a next-generation narrow-body aircraft with a range of up to 8,700 km and improved fuel efficiency, will enable IndiGo to operate longer international routes from India while keeping costs low. It has a dual-class setup with 12 IndiGoStretch seats and 183 economy seats. Both cabins are equipped with RECARO seating, offering a comfortable and enjoyable experience on long flights, IndiGo said in a release on 7 January.

Out of the total firm order of 40 A321XLR aircraft, nine are scheduled for delivery in 2026. Following its first international deployment for non-stop flights to Athens, the remaining aircraft will be assigned to existing routes, including Istanbul, Turkey, and Bali.