Delta Air Lines celebrates its 100th year of flying this year, and in doing so, they’re making some changes to their routes and offerings. In order for Delta to have survived for a century, they’ve had to evolve with the times and make changes based on technology and demand.
Delta is one of the largest airlines in the United States and, according to the airline’s research, helps 200 million travelers travel to more than 350 destinations each year. “We remain committed to ensuring that the future of travel is connected, personalized and enjoyable,” Delta Air Lines states on their official website.
Now, Delta has made a historic announcement. The airline is officially adding a new destination on its global map, and it’s to the Middle East.
Starting in October 2026, Delta will being nonstop service between the airline’s hub in Atlanta (ATL) to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH), “strengthening the growing flow of commerce and investment between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia and supporting long-term economic collaboration across the region,” the company told Men’s Journal in a statement.
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Delta also says that Riyadh is a “gateway to a culture rich with history and alive with possibility.”
“As Saudi Arabia advances Vision 2030, new direct international flights highlight the capital’s global appeal and strategic importance,” Delta adds. “This enhanced connectivity is positioning Riyadh as a global hub for tourism, business, innovation and long-term economic growth.”
“Launching service to Riyadh marks a key step in Delta’s global growth as we begin our second century of flight,” Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, said in a statement. “Our new flights will connect customers to this dynamic, fast-growing region while delivering the care, comfort and reliability they expect. It reflects our bold vision to create meaningful opportunities and experiences in every corner of the world in the years ahead.”
The flight will operate three times a week on Delta Air Lines’ Airbus A350-900, offering four product experiences on board: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. “With service to 300+ destinations worldwide, Delta continues to expand its global reach, bringing people, cultures and opportunities closer together,” a press release states.
Adding a new international stop for Delta is a positive amid what’s been a difficult international travel season across the board. International travel to the United States took a big hit this year, and according to the Associated Press, “the World Travel & Tourism Council projected ahead of Memorial Day that the U.S. would be the only country among the 184 it studied where foreign visitor spending would fall in 2025.”
