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Delta will launch its first nonstop flights between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH) in October 2026, operating three times weekly on Airbus A350-900s. The move deepens Delta’s Saudi ties (including its Riyadh Air partnership) and opens one-stop access from Riyadh to scores of U.S. cities.
Delta just announced first 7,000-mile flight to vibrant desert metropolis
Author: Brandon Champion
Delta is going where it hasn’t gone before.
The airline made headlines on Monday when it announced it is adding its first nonstop service between the airline’s hub in Atlanta to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the largest city on the Arabian Peninsula.
The flight, beginning October 2026, marks the latest development in the flow of commerce and investment between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
“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. It reflects our bold vision to create meaningful opportunities and experiences in every corner of the world in the years ahead.”
The flight will operate three times weekly on Delta’s Airbus A350-900, which features Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main.
Delta One customers will enjoy lie-flat seats and chef-curated meals while Delta Premium Select provides wider seats with deeper recline. Delta Comfort offers extra legroom, earlier boarding and dedicated overhead bin space.
Known for its vibrant blend of deep tradition and rapid modernity and standing as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a sprawling metropolis of over 7 million people.
Delta says launching service to Riyadh is a strategic step forward that strengthens ties between the U.S. and a region gaining influence in global markets.
“We welcome Delta to Riyadh and look forward to the opportunities this service will create for travelers worldwide,” said His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“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 new route is one of Delta’s longest at over 7,000 miles. It will also link customers from Riyadh to the U.S. with easy one-stop access to 150-plus cities.
It joins recently added brand-new destinations like Marrakech (began Oct. 25), Melbourne (starting Dec. 3), Sardinia (starting May 20, 2026), Porto (starting May 21, 2026), Hong Kong (starting June 6, 2026), and Malta (starting June 7, 2026).
Credits: TCA, LLC.