Delta Air Lines will begin nonstop flights between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia, in winter 2026. This new service strengthens commerce, investment, and cultural ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it supports long-term economic collaboration in the Middle East.
“Launching flights to Riyadh marks a key milestone in Delta’s global growth as we enter our second century of service,” said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines. “These flights will connect travelers to a fast-growing region while offering comfort, care, and reliability. Therefore, we aim to create meaningful experiences around the world.”
Meanwhile, passengers traveling in Premium Select enjoy wider seats that provide greater comfort, a deeper recline for restful journeys, and a range of enhanced in-flight amenities designed to enhance the overall travel experience. In addition, the Comfort cabin offers travelers extra legroom, priority boarding, and dedicated overhead bin space, providing convenience and ease while ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable flight for those seeking a balance of comfort and efficiency.
Across all cabins, passengers can enjoy curated dining, Delta Studio entertainment, and fast Delta Sync Wi-Fi powered by T-Mobile. In addition, SkyMiles Members benefit from enhanced connectivity and loyalty rewards.
Riyadh combines rich history with a modern, fast-developing vision. As Saudi Arabia advances Vision 2030, direct international flights highlight the city’s global appeal. Consequently, the route enhances Riyadh’s position as a hub for tourism, business, and innovation. For Delta, this step strengthens U.S.-Saudi ties while also opening new opportunities for cultural exchange.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, said, “We welcome Delta to Riyadh. These nonstop flights create opportunities for travelers and strengthen connectivity between our nations. In particular, the route promotes tourism, culture, and business.”
The city offers experiences ranging from offroad adventures and the Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) to luxury destinations like Via Riyadh and bustling traditional souks. Therefore, travelers can enjoy a mix of adventure, elegance, and authentic cultural immersion.
This route, one of Delta’s longest at over 7,000 miles, also provides Riyadh travelers with one-stop access to 150+ U.S. cities. As a result, it effectively bridges Saudi Arabia with the United States for business and leisure.
Delta currently serves 300+ destinations worldwide. The Riyadh launch in winter 2026 follows other recent additions, including Marrakech, Melbourne, Sardinia, Porto, Hong Kong, and Malta. Altogether, these new routes demonstrate Delta’s commitment to connecting customers to the world’s most dynamic destinations.
