In a groundbreaking development for international travel, Delta Air Lines is set to launch the first-ever direct flights from the United States to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. This historic route was highlighted during discussions at the Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Saudi relations and shedding light on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to become a significant global aviation hub.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, candidly addressed the challenges of attracting American travelers to Saudi Arabia, acknowledging a degree of uncertainty stemming from historical tensions in religious, political, and cultural realms. However, he expressed optimism about the tourism potential in Riyadh, emphasizing the city’s diverse offerings and the warmth of its people. Bastian noted that many Americans might be surprised by the positive experiences awaiting them in Saudi Arabia, recounting his own positive impressions of the city.
Recognizing that the initial phase of this new route will be gradual, Bastian assured that as awareness grows, so will the popularity of the direct flights. The move is part of a broader strategy initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, who has been actively working to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil dependency through his Vision 2030 initiative. This vision aims to boost tourism and technological investment, thereby enhancing the overall appeal of the kingdom to foreign visitors.
The route is timely for business travel, particularly with Riyadh’s burgeoning financial district. Increased direct connectivity is crucial for multinational corporations operating in the region. At the Global Forum, Saudi officials underlined efforts to attract major corporations to establish regional headquarters in the kingdom. Additionally, the launch of Riyadh Air, a national carrier in collaboration with Delta, signals a clear intention to enhance air travel options and facilitate easier access to Saudi Arabia.
Tony Douglas, the newly appointed CEO of Riyadh Air, celebrated the airline’s inaugural flight to London Heathrow the day before the forum. His leadership endeavors are aligned with the Vision 2030 goal, which aims to welcome 100 million tourists annually by the year 2030, generate $20 billion in non-oil revenue, and create over 200,000 jobs.
Delta’s upcoming service will connect Atlanta—its largest international hub—to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. Prior to this development, no U.S. airline had provided direct flights to Saudi Arabia. American Airlines and United had operated services to Jeddah and Riyadh years ago, but those routes were indirect, relying on connections in Europe.
The partnership between Delta and Riyadh Air, solidified through a memorandum of understanding in July 2024, aims to enhance travel benefits for customers flying between North America and Saudi Arabia. Bastian expressed enthusiasm for expanding this partnership, highlighting the mutual benefits anticipated from this collaboration as both airlines work together to revolutionize the transportation landscape within the kingdom.
