IndiGo Airlines to Deploy First A321XLR to This Popular Destination

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GURUGRAM- IndiGo Airlines (6E) will deploy its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft on the Athens (ATH) route starting January 2026, marking India’s debut with the long-range narrow-body jet. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.

The airline, headquartered in Gurugram, had earlier committed to expanding into 10 new international destinations this financial year. With the Athens service, IndiGo (6E) will become the only Indian carrier offering direct flights to Greece (ATH) from Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), subject to regulatory clearance.

IndiGo Airlines A321XLR to Athens

IndiGo confirmed that the new service will operate six times weekly, split evenly between Delhi–Athens and Mumbai–Athens.

Both routes will feature three weekly nonstop flights. This strategic move establishes a direct India–Greece corridor, strengthening connectivity for both leisure and business travel.

The Airbus A321XLR is a next-generation aircraft with a maximum range of 8,700 km. It allows airlines to operate long-haul flights with the fuel efficiency of a single-aisle jet.

For IndiGo, this capability means access to new European destinations that were previously unreachable using narrow-body aircraft.

Aircraft Features and Configuration

The Airbus A321XLR will be delivered to IndiGo by the end of 2025, making it the first of its type to operate under an Indian carrier.

The aircraft will feature a two-class configuration: Economy and a premium cabin, branded as IndiGoStretch.

This setup enables IndiGo to serve both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking additional comfort on longer routes. With the XLR’s range, passengers can now expect efficient nonstop travel from India to Southern Europe.

Strategic Value of the Athens Route

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, highlighted the importance of the new route. He stated that direct India–Greece flights align with the airline’s global expansion strategy while supporting the growing demand for international connectivity.

The Athens route also creates opportunities for onward connections to popular Greek islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, along with regional hubs across Europe.

For Indian travelers, this reduces dependence on connecting flights through Middle Eastern or European hubs.

IndiGo’s Growing International Network

IndiGo operates more than 2,200 daily flights, serving over 90 domestic and 40 international destinations.

As of September 14, 2025, the airline maintained a fleet of 400 aircraft, with 349 active and 51 grounded, according to Planespotter.com.

By selecting Athens as the launch destination for its A321XLR, IndiGo strengthens its European presence at a time when demand between India and Europe is expanding, driven by both business travelers and tourists.

Athens Travel Guide

Athens is a city where ancient history and modern creativity meet. Visitors often fly into Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), the main gateway to the capital.

The city is best known for the Acropolis and Parthenon, but its energy extends far beyond ruins. From rooftop cocktails to local tavernas, Athens offers a mix of iconic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods that keep travellers returning.

Athens has long been called the cradle of Western civilisation, and for good reason. The Acropolis dominates the skyline, its marble temples reflecting centuries of mythology and history.

Yet the city is far from frozen in the past. Street art, bustling cafés, and an evolving dining scene reveal a metropolis that balances heritage with modern life.

Most travellers begin at Athens International Airport (ATH), about 20 km from the city centre. The R3 metro line connects the airport to major stops like Syntagma and Monastiraki in roughly an hour.

Taxis and buses also run frequently, but the metro remains the most cost-effective option. Once inside the city, central Athens is walkable, though the metro helps for longer journeys.

When to Visit

Athens has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. The best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is pleasant and crowds are thinner. Summer draws the highest number of visitors, while winter offers quieter streets and cheaper hotel rates.

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens offers accommodations for every budget, from boutique hotels to luxury escapes:

Budget: Regal Hotel Mitropoleos, A for Athens, Belle Epoque Suites
Mid-range: The Pinnacle, St George Lycabettus Hotel, Mona Athens
Luxury: The Dolli, Four Seasons Astir Palace, Hotel Grande Bretagne

Most central stays cluster around Monastiraki, Plaka, and Syntagma, ensuring easy access to landmarks and restaurants. For a quieter retreat, the Athens Riviera provides a seaside alternative.

Top Landmarks and Attractions

The Acropolis

The Acropolis is the city’s most famous site and a symbol of classical Greece. The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, remains its centrepiece. Other highlights include the Erechtheion and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a theatre that still hosts performances. To avoid crowds, visit early morning or late afternoon. Combined tickets include entry to the Acropolis Museum, which houses artefacts uncovered from the site.

Mount Lycabettus

Rising above the city, Mount Lycabettus offers panoramic views stretching from the Acropolis to the Aegean Sea. Visitors can climb the steps, hire a taxi, or ride the funicular. Sunset is particularly striking, when the skyline glows against the pink and gold horizon.

Plaka and Anafiotika

Plaka, Athens’ oldest district, is known for its cobblestone streets, bougainvillea, and lively tavernas. Neighbouring Anafiotika, with its whitewashed houses, feels like stepping into a Cycladic island village. Both neighbourhoods are ideal for wandering, shopping, and sampling Greek pastries.

Philopappos Hill

Located near the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill provides close-up views of the Parthenon. The site also features the Prison of Socrates and shaded walking paths. Sunrise and sunset walks here are particularly rewarding.

Dining in Athens

Athens’ food scene combines traditional Greek dishes with modern twists. Highlights include:

Avli: Rustic Greek mezze in a hidden courtyard.
Yiasemi: Light pies, coffee, and desserts on the steps of Plaka.
O Thanasis: Famous for souvlaki and kebabs near Monastiraki Square.
To Kafeneio: Classic taverna with standout zucchini fritters and meatballs.

For breakfast and brunch, spots like Bougatsadiko Psirri (famous for stuffed pies), Usurum (brunch classics), and Folk (creative eggs Benedict variations) stand out.

Athens Nightlife and Bars

The city’s nightlife blends tradition and creativity:

Juan Rodriguez: A quirky, pirate-themed cocktail bar with inventive drinks.
Brettos: Athens’ oldest distillery, offering colourful spirits and cocktails.
360 Rooftop: Popular bar with sweeping Acropolis views and Greek island-inspired cocktails.
Buena Vista Social Bar: Cuban-inspired rooftop with a covered terrace for rainy days.
A for Athens: Iconic rooftop views over Monastiraki Square, though service varies.

Practical Travel Tips

Safety: Pickpocketing is the main concern in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure.
Packing: Comfortable shoes are essential. Bring layers and an umbrella outside of summer.
Local Transport: Metro tickets cost €9 from the airport. A three-day tourist pass (€20) covers unlimited rides.
Shopping: Athens offers both international brands and local artisan shops for souvenirs.

Athens is more than a gateway to the islands. It’s a city that rewards those who stay and explore its history, food, neighbourhoods, and nightlife. From the Acropolis at sunrise to late-night cocktails in Psirri, Athens continues to prove why it belongs on every traveller’s itinerary.

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IndiGo Airlines Buying More Aircraft as It Adds New International Flights

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