Exclusive: Fly the IndiGo A321XLR on Delhi – Mumbai flights before its international debut

Last week, IndiGo received yet another aircraft type, the A321 XLR, which will power its next leg of growth plans. We now have more interesting information on this.

IndiGo’s A321XLR

IndiGo became the first Indian airline to induct an Airbus A321XLR into its fleet late last week, when the aircraft flew from Hamburg, Germany, to Delhi, India. The long-range variant of the Airbus A321neo arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on January 7, 2026.

The Airbus A321XLR, a next-generation narrow-body aircraft with a range of up to 8,700 kms/4,700 nm and enhanced fuel efficiency, will enable IndiGo to serve longer international routes from India while maintaining high operational efficiency. The aircraft features a dual-class configuration offering 12 IndiGoStretch and 183 economy class seats. Both cabins feature RECARO seating, delivering a comfortable, pleasant onboard experience, especially suited to long-distance journeys.

Of a total firm order of 40 A321XLR aircraft, nine are expected to be delivered in CY 2026. The first one will be deployed on the airline’s upcoming non-stop services connecting Mumbai to Athens from January 23, 2026, and Delhi to Athens from January 24, 2026, operating thrice weekly on both routes. After its first international induction to operate non-stop services to Athens, subsequent aircraft will be deployed on existing routes, including Istanbul, Turkey, and Denpasar, Bali. Thereafter, incoming deliveries will enable IndiGo to expand to new long-haul routes in Europe and East Asia.

Experience the IndiGo A321XLR on domestic flights

As is normal for new aircraft upon entry into service, the airline has to do a lot of practice runs before it is good to go for the aircraft’s international debut. This is to do with the change in service standards, the change in equipment (such as the addition of ovens and new seats), and the crew getting to do a few live runs before they are released for flights on the long-haul legs, where the airline has to be perfect. So, airlines deploy the aircraft on domestic routes before taking them abroad. IndiGo will operate the XLR aircraft (VT-NLA) on the Delhi-Mumbai and reverse routes for three flights a day each way for a week, effective January 15, 2026. Here is the schedule.

If you choose to be on one of these flights, you get to experience the new(er) Stretch product as well if in the front cabin.

And that is not all, you will also get to taste the International hot meal offerings, given there is an option of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian meals showing up on these flights. And only on these flights. Plus there is the BlueBox provided streaming IFE as well.

Bottomline

IndiGo will soft-launch the XLR on the Delhi-Mumbai and return flights, which will operate thrice daily each way (as per the schedule above) between January 15 and 21, 2026. From there, the aircraft heads into the hangar for a day before its eventual long-haul debut on flights to Athens. This will be a great opportunity for those not heading to Greece and wanting to try out these aircraft.

What are your plans with the IndiGo XLR soft launch then?

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