Delta Air Lines is expanding its global network with the introduction of new nonstop service between Riyadh and Atlanta, marking the airline’s inaugural direct connection to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The new route establishes Delta as the first US carrier to operate nonstop flights from Riyadh, opening direct access to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) for both business and leisure travellers.
Delta will deploy its flagship long-haul Airbus A350-900 on the corridor, configured with seats across four distinct cabins - Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. Delta’s new Atlanta-Riyadh service will fly daily from October 23 to 30, before transitioning to three times weekly service.
The strategic service connects travellers directly to Delta’s primary global hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), offering seamless onward connections to hundreds of destinations across North America, South America, and beyond.
“Delta is proud to expand our global network with new nonstop service between Riyadh and Atlanta as Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as a leading global business, tourism, and investment hub,” Rob LeBel, Managing Director – International and Specialty Sales, Delta Air Lines, tells TTN. “As the first US carrier to offer nonstop service from Riyadh, this route represents a significant investment in a dynamic and fast-growing market, helps meet increasing demand for seamless travel, and creates new opportunities for customers across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.”
Combined with Delta’s premium travel experience, strong reliability and elevated service, this new route will continue to bring our regions closer together
- Rob LeBel
LeBel adds: “Through our Atlanta hub, travellers will have convenient access to Delta’s extensive global network with connections to hundreds of destinations across North America, South America and beyond. Combined with Delta’s premium travel experience, strong reliability and elevated service, this new route will help strengthen the commercial, cultural and tourism ties that continue to bring our regions closer together.”
As one of the fastest-growing destinations in the region, Riyadh blends deep-rooted history with rapid modern development. Through King Khalid International Airport, travellers arriving in the capital have direct access to cultural and heritage landmarks -including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah - alongside modern architecture, luxury shopping, and dining.
The new route is designed to meet escalating bilateral demand, delivering Delta’s premium travel experience, elevated service, and reliability to the Saudi market while strengthening commercial and tourism bridges between the two regions.
The route also deepens Delta's commercial presence in the region, complementing its strategic codeshare partnership with Riyadh Air alongside its existing SkyTeam alliance framework with national carrier Saudia.