Delta Air Lines to Launch First-Ever Nonstop Atlanta-Riyadh Service as Part of Strategic Saudi Expansion
U.S. carrier reveals plans for thrice-weekly flights from Atlanta to Saudi Arabia’s capital starting October 2026 amid deeper ties with Riyadh Air
Delta Air Lines has announced plans to inaugurate nonstop commercial flights between Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first direct service by a U.S. airline to the Kingdom.
The new route, scheduled to commence in October 2026, will operate three times a week using Airbus A350-900 aircraft and represents a significant expansion of Delta’s long-haul network as the carrier strengthens ties with Middle Eastern partners.
The Atlanta-to-Riyadh service forms a key component of Delta’s broader partnership with state-backed Riyadh Air, announced in 2024, which encompasses strategic cooperation on codeshares, loyalty programmes and coordinated flight schedules.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and expand global air connectivity, the Kingdom has offered incentives under its Air Connectivity Program to attract international airlines and enhance inbound tourism and business travel.
While Delta has not disclosed specific details of any subsidy arrangements, the incentives are understood to lower the financial risk of launching new long-haul services by helping underwrite start-up costs.
Delta’s chief executive, Ed Bastian, described the Riyadh route as a ”strategic step forward” that will link the southeastern United States to one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing markets, enabling seamless connections to destinations across the Gulf, South Asia and Africa.
The A350-900 aircraft will offer a range of onboard experiences, including Delta One business suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin seating.
Saudi officials, including the country’s Minister of Tourism, have welcomed the service as a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cultural and commercial exchange.
Delta’s new route also reflects the airline’s effort to establish a foothold in a region where it previously lacked significant direct presence.
Historically, U.S. carriers have operated limited Gulf services, but partnerships with major Middle Eastern and emerging carriers — such as Riyadh Air and Saudia — are reshaping competitive dynamics.
The Riyadh service will be among Delta’s longest routes, spanning more than seven thousand miles, and will provide Saudi travellers one-stop access to more than one hundred fifty U.S. cities through Atlanta’s extensive domestic network.
The new route, scheduled to commence in October 2026, will operate three times a week using Airbus A350-900 aircraft and represents a significant expansion of Delta’s long-haul network as the carrier strengthens ties with Middle Eastern partners.
The Atlanta-to-Riyadh service forms a key component of Delta’s broader partnership with state-backed Riyadh Air, announced in 2024, which encompasses strategic cooperation on codeshares, loyalty programmes and coordinated flight schedules.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and expand global air connectivity, the Kingdom has offered incentives under its Air Connectivity Program to attract international airlines and enhance inbound tourism and business travel.
While Delta has not disclosed specific details of any subsidy arrangements, the incentives are understood to lower the financial risk of launching new long-haul services by helping underwrite start-up costs.
Delta’s chief executive, Ed Bastian, described the Riyadh route as a ”strategic step forward” that will link the southeastern United States to one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing markets, enabling seamless connections to destinations across the Gulf, South Asia and Africa.
The A350-900 aircraft will offer a range of onboard experiences, including Delta One business suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin seating.
Saudi officials, including the country’s Minister of Tourism, have welcomed the service as a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cultural and commercial exchange.
Delta’s new route also reflects the airline’s effort to establish a foothold in a region where it previously lacked significant direct presence.
Historically, U.S. carriers have operated limited Gulf services, but partnerships with major Middle Eastern and emerging carriers — such as Riyadh Air and Saudia — are reshaping competitive dynamics.
The Riyadh service will be among Delta’s longest routes, spanning more than seven thousand miles, and will provide Saudi travellers one-stop access to more than one hundred fifty U.S. cities through Atlanta’s extensive domestic network.
