Delta Air Lines will launch nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh starting October 23, 2026.
The route marks the airline’s first direct connection to Saudi Arabia and the first nonstop service between the United States and the Saudi capital operated by a US carrier.
The new route will connect travelers nationwide to Riyadh for business, cultural tourism, and onward travel across the Middle East through Delta’s Atlanta hub.
To mark the launch, Delta is also offering a limited-time SkyMiles Award Deal for customers booking travel on the route.
Riyadh emerges as a rising global travel hub
Peter Carter, President of Delta Air Lines, said the new service reflects the airline’s effort to connect customers to a region experiencing rapid growth.
He said the Atlanta hub will make travel between the US and Saudi Arabia more direct and accessible, while maintaining the premium experience Delta customers expect.
Saudi Arabia has increasingly positioned itself as a global travel destination, with growth spanning history, culture, entertainment, sports, business, and hospitality.
Riyadh sits at the center, serving as a gateway to the rest of the country, including historic sites, desert excursions, and coastal areas such as Jeddah and the Red Sea coast.
Within Riyadh, visitors can explore Diriyah and the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif District, which showcase restored mudbrick architecture tied to the kingdom’s origins. Nearby, the King Abdullah Financial District and Riyadh Boulevard reflect the city’s modern role as a center for business and dining.
For business travelers, the new route also provides more direct access to Riyadh as a regional financial hub, along with international conferences and government institutions based there.
Flight details and cabin options
Delta’s new Atlanta-Riyadh service will operate daily from October 23 through October 30, 2026, before shifting to three times weekly.
The route will be flown using Delta’s Airbus A350-900, which includes Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main cabins. Passengers will have access to Delta Studio entertainment, and SkyMiles members can use free Delta Sync Wi-Fi, powered by T-Mobile, where available. Halal meal options will also be offered.
The new route adds to Delta’s global network, which spans more than 300 destinations across six continents, and creates what the airline describes as a direct link between the US and Saudi Arabia.
Delta is advising travelers to review current entry requirements, visa rules, passport validity guidance, and customs regulations before departure, noting that requirements can change.
The airline points customers to official Saudi government resources, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Visit Saudi, for the latest visa and entry information.