Delta Air Lines Set to Pioneer First U.S. Nonstop Flight to Saudi Arabia

Delta Air Lines is poised to etch its name in aviation history. On October 23, 2026, the airline will inaugurate the first-ever nonstop service between the United States and Saudi Arabia’s capital. This monumental service will connect its primary hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (RUH).

The historic route will be operated on an Airbus A350-900, covering a staggering 7,283 miles and taking over 13 hours in the air. This makes it one of Delta’s most extensive routes globally. The service will initially run daily from October 23–30 before transitioning into a three-times-weekly schedule on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Economy fares start from $921 one-way, with Delta One Suites available from $4,500+. This flight will link more than 150 North American markets to Riyadh via a single connection in Atlanta.

This groundbreaking launch is part of Delta’s strategic alliance with Riyadh Air, signed in July 2024. This partnership made Delta the exclusive North American partner of the burgeoning Saudi carrier. The route also dovetails with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 program, which seeks to significantly boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange. Previously, only Saudi national carrier Saudia offered nonstop U.S.-Saudi routes — and only to cities other than Riyadh — making Delta’s launch a game-changer in transatlantic aviation.

Source: Delta Newsroom – The Kingdom is Calling: Delta’s New Atlanta–Riyadh Service Begins Oct. 23