Delta Air Lines Inc. is set to launch a flight in late 2026 from its hometown of Atlanta to the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the announcement as Delta CEO Ed Bastian spoke at the State of the Region breakfast hosted by the Atlanta Regional Commission last week.
Delta followed up with a news release touting the new flight as the first ever from the U.S. directly to Saudi Arabia, the oil-rich country of 36 million people that has become a leader in technology, smart cities, and — increasingly — artificial intelligence.
The country is pursuing the Vision 2030 plan, which aims to drive growth through technology, diversifying the economy away from energy. Fintech, a key sector for Atlanta, is a centerpiece of the plan.
Still, Delta’s news release focused more on the tourism opportunities Saudi Arabia presents, whether one is interested dune-bashing in the desert, going luxury shopping or meandering through historic souks.
Delta had already teased such a route when it announced last July a partnership with Riyadh Air, an airline that has yet to take off. A codeshare with Saudia launched in October 2024.
In a news release, Saudi Arabia’s tourism minister noted that the new route will “open new doors for tourism and cultural exchange,” while Mr. Bastian pointed to the airline’s desire to enable “meaningful opportunities and experiences.”
“Launching service to Riyadh marks a key step in Delta’s global growth as we start our second century of flight,” the CEO said. “Our new flights will connect customers to this dynamic, fast-growing region while delivering the care, comfort and reliability they expect.”
The news came two days after Delta launched another key route from Atlanta: Marrakech, Morocco, a popular North African tourism destination.
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