Delta Air Lines has announced plans to launch direct flights between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH). The route will be part of a strategic partnership with state-backed Riyadh Air, expected to begin operations in 2025.
In an interview with CNN’s Richard Quest, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the goal of the route is to carry U.S. passengers to Saudi Arabia and boost travel demand to the country.
Supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy aims to transform the nation into a global business hub and reduce its economic dependence on oil. The Saudi government is also providing financial incentives to attract new airlines.
Delta Airlines suspended its Istanbul flights in 2016 following the terrorist attack at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, and the carrier currently has no plans to resume operations in Türkiye in the near future.
