Delta Air Lines is expanding to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a new route that raises questions about strategy, subsidies, and long-term goals.
Delta Air Lines Confirms Atlanta–Riyadh Flights As Part Of Riyadh Air Partnership
Delta CEO Ed Bastian has confirmed plans to launch nonstop service between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH), the capital of Saudi Arabia. The new route, expected to operate with an Airbus A350, is part of Delta’s growing partnership with Riyadh Air and is tentatively set to begin in 2026. The A350 will feature Delta One Suites, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin seating.
As usual, JonNYC called this route well in advance:
The airline says this new long-haul link will connect the U.S. Southeast to one of the fastest-growing markets in the Middle East. Delta describes the route as a “strategic milestone” that supports expanding connectivity and premium travel options across both networks.
Why Riyadh when the amount of demand between the two cities is limited? The choice of Riyadh makes sense when viewed through the lens of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy and make Riyadh a global hub for tourism and business. Delta, which has not served the Gulf region in years, sees this as an opportunity to establish a presence before others do and do so with some help from the Saudi government, which is reportedly offering subsidies to encourage new service.
But there’s also the business partnership angle. Delta and Riyadh Air have already signed a strategic agreement to cooperate on codesharing, frequent flyer benefits, and coordinated flight schedules. Once Riyadh Air begins operations, passengers from Atlanta could connect to destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Delta’s expertise in Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) is also likely to play a role in helping to get Riyadh Air established as a reliable carrier.
My Take
I think this is an interesting move. Sure, it is the subsidies that are immediately driving this route announcement, but the partnership with Riyadh Air also gives Delta an anchor in a region where it has long lacked a strong partner. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in tourism and infrastructure, and Delta’s presence in Riyadh aligns with that vision.
That said, this is not without risk. Riyadh is still developing as a global transit hub, and Delta will have to prove that there is enough premium and business demand to justify the route. Unlike Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul, Riyadh is not yet an established connecting gateway, which may limit early success. The subsidies will offset that, but unless the subsidies are incredibly generous, Delta must still weigh whether those aircraft could be more valuably deployed to other destinations.
Even so, I like seeing Delta expand internationally with a clear partner strategy, which is a bit different than the way United launches new routes. If Riyadh Air delivers a quality product and a smooth connection experience, this could be the start of something significant…I have not been to the Kingdom in more than a decade and understand that it has changed tremendously. I’d very much like to return and fly Riyadh Air.
CONCLUSION
Delta’s planned service between Atlanta and Riyadh signals a renewed push into the Middle East and a closer relationship with Riyadh Air. When it launches, the Atlanta–Riyadh route will be one of Delta’s longest, covering more than 7,200 miles each way. Delta has been weak in the Middle East and, until now, lacks the partners that United (Emirates) and American (Qatar and Etihad) have. I see great potential in this relationship and see it as a way for Delta to offer service to many secondary cities in India in the years ahead.
Funny how the ‘free market’ types get real quiet as soon as government subsidies are involved… yeah, it’s almost as if principles are a lie when money is involved.
That said, if Delta can help bring more cooperation and collaboration to the region, then this is a good thing for the world.
And, if not, at least Dave and Pete can fly DeltaOne to their next comedy special over there.
The real shame is that there’s still not D1 lounge at ATL… their headquarters… huh. Odd.
I read that seat 1A is permanently always blocked for Jared Kushner and see 1B for his wife, if they’re not on the flight, those seats will be empty. Because of course, there’s absolutely no corruption or grifting in that family, particularly when compared to the Biden crime family.
If Jared and Ivanka are still flying commercial, then they clearly aren’t grifting enough.
Something, something, Hunter, crackpipe, something. /s
Isn’t Saudia part of SkyTeam, why would DL choose Riyadh Air over their SkyTeam partner?
Plus Saudia is a good airline minus the no alcohol thing.
Does anything matter anymore if money is on the line? The answer: No.
Loyalty between SkyTeam partners… Psh.
I’m old enough to remember when Delta CEOs got real bothered by Middle Eastern government subsidies. Turns out the outrage is completely dependent on which bank account the subsidies are deposited into.
Tim Dunn can defend Delta, but, let’s be clear: Every airline does this. They whine about others getting subsidies, then they have both hands fully-extended when it’s their turn. Shameless.
First, DL served multiple cities in the Middle East on 9/10/01 but those ended on 9/11.
Second, on two occasions post 9/11 and during covid, other airlines were at far greater risk of going bankrupt and sought US government aid which was thrown at the US airline industry and esp. during covid at the entire economy.
As 1990 points out, nobody turns down “free” money but there would have been far greater bankruptcies in the industry if no financial aid was given; DL had lines of credit it pulled down in both cases which saved it – and it still has generous lines of credit which other airlines do not have.
So, yes, DL’s chance on subsidies has changed because most of the world has gotten them and the US government made sure US airlines were not left out.
as for RUH, it is a partnership that will go beyond what AA or UA can have with any other Middle East government. There is a good chance that DL will have a JV with RX in time but it is highly doubtful that EK or QR will ever have JV Partnerships with AA or UA.
Matthew is right that DL intends to develop its relationship with RX to a far greater degree including helping RX get started and succeed.
When you are one of the most successful and profitable airlines in the world, people want you to help them make it happen.