Tourexpi
Delta Air Lines is expanding its international network
with a landmark route to the Middle East. Beginning in October 2026, the
carrier will inaugurate nonstop service between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH),
becoming the first U.S. airline to link the two cities directly. The new route
reflects Delta’s continued global growth and its commitment to deepening
economic and cultural connections between the United States and the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia.
A milestone in Delta’s global expansion
“Launching service to Riyadh marks a key step in
Delta’s global growth as we start our second century of flight,” said Ed
Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines. “Our new flights will connect customers to
this dynamic, fast-growing region while delivering the care, comfort and
reliability they expect.”
The route will operate three times weekly aboard an Airbus
A350-900, offering four cabin experiences: Delta One®, Delta Premium Select,
Delta Comfort+ and Delta Main Cabin.
Delta One® travelers will enjoy lie-flat beds,
chef-curated menus, and Missoni-designed amenity kits. Delta Premium Select
offers extra space, enhanced comfort, and premium dining, while Delta Comfort+
provides additional legroom and priority boarding. Across all cabins,
passengers can access Delta Studio entertainment, complimentary meals, and
high-speed Delta Sync Wi-Fi powered by T-Mobile.
Riyadh: Tradition meets transformation
Set amid desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage,
Riyadh is emerging as a vibrant global destination. As Saudi Arabia advances
its Vision 2030 plan, the city is transforming into a hub for tourism,
innovation, and investment.
“We welcome Delta to Riyadh and look forward to the
opportunities this service will create for travelers worldwide,” said His
Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism. “These nonstop
flights will strengthen global connectivity between our nations and open new
doors for tourism, cultural exchange, and business.”
From off-road adventures to the Edge of the World
(Jebel Fihrayn), the elegant boutiques of Via Riyadh, and the bustling energy
of traditional souks, the Saudi capital offers an extraordinary blend of
history, modernity, and discovery.
Connecting two continents
At over 7,000 miles, the Atlanta–Riyadh flight will be
one of Delta’s longest routes, offering travelers from Saudi Arabia seamless
one-stop access to more than 150 U.S. cities via Delta’s Atlanta hub. The
service underscores Delta’s vision of connecting people, cultures, and
economies across continents.
With flights to 300+ destinations worldwide, Delta
continues to expand its reach. Riyadh joins a list of new long-haul
destinations—including Marrakech, Melbourne, Sardinia, Porto, Hong Kong, and
Malta—cementing Delta’s position as a global carrier that connects travelers to
the world’s most dynamic places.
Image
Credit: © AA
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