India’s two largest airlines have outlined bold plans for 2026, focusing on fleet upgrades, new aircraft and expanded services. Air India is bringing back retrofitted wide-body jets and modern lounges. IndiGo is set to induct its first Airbus A321XLR and expand global connectivity. These moves aim to improve passenger experience and deepen both carriers’ international reach.
The announcements come after a year of challenges for the aviation sector, including operational disruptions and supply chain hurdles. Both airlines have said they will use lessons from 2025 to build resilience and strengthen services in the year ahead.
Air India to Revamp Wide-Body Fleet With Updated Interiors
Air India plans a significant interior overhaul of its legacy Boeing wide-body jets in 2026. The first two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, fully fitted with new seats and entertainment systems, will return to service in February 2026. More retrofitted aircraft are due each month after that.
In addition to refurbished 787s, six new wide-body aircraft, including 787s and Airbus A350s, will join the fleet next year. The airline will also begin refitting its older Boeing 777s with modern cabins. By the end of 2026, around 65 % of Air India’s wide-body fleet and more than half of its international service will feature upgraded cabins.
These upgrades are part of a broader modernization effort that has already seen narrow-body aircraft receive new interiors. Air India completed the first phase of its retrofit programme for Airbus A320neo jets, with upgraded cabins now flying on key domestic and international routes.
New Lounges and Enhanced Passenger Comfort
Air India will open a flagship international lounge in Delhi Airport in early 2026, offering premium amenities for long-haul flyers. Another new lounge is planned at San Francisco International Airport later in the year.
The airline has also said it will begin upgrades to its New York JFK lounge and launch a new domestic lounge in Delhi, improving the travel experience at key hubs.
IndiGo to Bring Airbus A321XLR and Expand Network
IndiGo, the largest low-cost carrier in India, confirmed it will induct its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft in 2026. The long-range jet can fly further than existing models, allowing the airline to launch longer nonstop services with greater efficiency.
The airline has already announced plans to use the A321XLR for direct flights between India and Athens, with six weekly services planned from Delhi and Mumbai early in 2026. This will make IndiGo the only Indian carrier with nonstop flights to Greece.
The XLR’s extended range also positions IndiGo for future routes deeper into Europe and beyond, expanding its global footprint while maintaining cost-efficient, single-aisle operations.
Focus on Operational Reliability & Growth After 2025 Setbacks
IndiGo also reflected on 2025’s operational challenges, including mass flight cancellations that disrupted travel across India. The airline said it has learned from those experiences and is working to strengthen processes, improve reliability and avoid similar disruptions in the future.
IndiGo reported it expects to finish 2025 carrying over 123 million passengers, up from 113 million in 2024, signaling strong demand despite operational difficulties.
What the 2026 Plans Mean for Passengers?
For flyers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of better travel comfort and more choices. Upgraded cabins on Air India’s long-haul jets will offer modern interiors and entertainment options. New lounges will make international travel more comfortable. Meanwhile, IndiGo’s A321XLR services will open direct leisure and business corridors, particularly to Europe.
Together, these developments reflect a strong recovery trajectory for Indian aviation, with both airlines modernizing fleets and improving services as competition and passenger expectations grow.
