Delta Confirms October 2026 Launch for First Nonstop Flights to Saudi Arabia
Atlanta, Monday, 22 December 2025.
Delta officially schedules its inaugural nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh for October 23, 2026, utilizing the Airbus A350 to capture high-value business traffic and support Saudi Vision 2030.
Operational Specifics and Cabin Configuration
Delta Air Lines (DAL) has solidified its expansion into the Middle East by confirming October 23, 2026, as the start date for flights between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) [1][2]. This service, first announced in October 2025, marks the carrier’s first-ever nonstop route to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [1][3]. Tickets for the long-haul service have been made available for booking as of this weekend, with one-way fares starting at $921 [1][3]. The route will be operated using the Airbus A350-900, configured to accommodate 275 passengers across four cabin classes: Delta One suites, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin [1][2]. The specific seating arrangement includes 40 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 195 economy seats [2].
Schedule and Frequency Adjustments
Covering a distance of approximately 7,283 miles (11,265 km), the flight represents one of the longest sectors in Delta’s global network [1][2][3]. According to schedule filings, the service will commence with daily flights from October 23 through October 30, 2026, before adjusting to a frequency of three times weekly starting November 1, 2026 [3][4]. Flight DL318 is scheduled to depart Atlanta at 22:30, arriving in Riyadh at 19:35 the following day [2][4]. The return leg, flight DL317, departs Riyadh at 23:30 and lands in Atlanta at 07:05 the next morning [2][4]. Block times are estimated at 13 hours and 5 minutes eastbound, and 15 hours and 35 minutes westbound [2].
Strategic Implications and Market Dynamics
This network expansion is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an economic initiative aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy beyond oil by developing tourism and entertainment sectors [3]. While Delta executives have noted that the new route dovetails with these government goals, industry analysis suggests the route is also motivated by subsidies provided by Saudi Arabia, similar to the incentives behind Delta’s service to Brisbane [2][3]. The launch follows a partnership plan announced in July 2024 between Delta and Riyadh Air, a new Saudi startup airline [2]. Unlike competitors American Airlines and United Airlines, Delta lacks a traditional “preferred” partner in the Middle East, making this direct link a critical step in establishing a foothold in the region [2].
Economic and Tourism Outlook
The connection is expected to facilitate significant cultural and business exchange between the two nations. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized that the nonstop flights represent a “significant milestone” in strengthening global connectivity and opening doors for tourism and innovation [1][2]. Delta CEO Ed Bastian echoed these sentiments, framing the launch as a key step in the airline’s global growth as it enters its second century of flight [2]. The route will also provide connectivity to other major Saudi cities, including Jeddah and Dammam, further integrating the Kingdom into the North American travel network [5].