Delta to Launch First Nonstop Flight from Atlanta to Riyadh

International

New route connects the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, strengthening global business and cultural ties

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.