Delta Air Lines has announced it will begin nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting in October 2026. This marks the airline’s first direct route to the Saudi capital and is intended to strengthen business and tourism ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
According to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, “Launching service to Riyadh marks a key step in Delta’s global growth as we start our second century of flight. Our new flights will connect customers to this dynamic, fast-growing region while delivering the care, comfort and reliability they expect. It reflects our bold vision to create meaningful opportunities and experiences in every corner of the world in the years ahead.”
The new service will operate three times per week using an Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Passengers can choose from four cabin classes: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main. Features include lie-flat seats for Delta One customers, chef-curated meals, enhanced amenities for premium passengers, extra legroom options, curated dining across all cabins, entertainment through Delta Studio, and complimentary Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members.
Riyadh is being positioned as a major destination for tourism and business. The city offers various attractions such as traditional markets (souks), luxury venues like Via Riyadh, and natural sites including Jebel Fihrayn (“Edge of the World”). With over 7,000 miles between Atlanta and Riyadh, this route becomes one of Delta’s longest.
His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia said: “We welcome Delta to Riyadh and look forward to the opportunities this service will create for travelers worldwide. Delta’s new nonstop flights between Atlanta and Riyadh mark a significant milestone in strengthening global connectivity between our nations and will open new doors for tourism and cultural exchange while driving business and innovation.”
This route also allows travelers from Riyadh easy access via Atlanta to more than 150 cities across the U.S., providing expanded travel options.
The introduction of service to Riyadh is part of a broader expansion by Delta Air Lines. Other upcoming international routes include Marrakech (October 25, 2025), Melbourne (December 3, 2025), Sardinia (May 20, 2026), Porto (May 21, 2026), Hong Kong (June 6, 2026), and Malta (June 7, 2026). In total, Delta now serves more than 300 destinations globally.
