Starting October 23, 2026, Delta Air Lines will operate nonstop flights between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, establishing the first-ever scheduled nonstop service between the United States and Saudi Arabia operated by a US carrier. Delta News Hub
The route will initially run daily from October 23 through October 30 before transitioning to three flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The outbound flight, DL318, departs Atlanta at 10:30 PM and arrives in Riyadh at 7:35 PM the following day; the return leg, DL317, departs Riyadh at 11:30 PM and arrives Atlanta at 7:05 AM, reflecting an eastbound block time of roughly 13 hours. Simple Flying
Delta will fly the route on its Airbus A350-900, configured with Delta One suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Delta Main Cabin. Halal meal options will be available for advance selection at booking. Travel Market Report
The launch deepens a 2024 partnership between Delta and Riyadh Air that made each carrier the other's exclusive partner in their respective home markets. Delta says the route will connect more than 150 North American cities to Riyadh via a single hub connection. Delta originally announced the route in October 2025 but had not named a specific start date; the October 23 date was confirmed during the week of August 11, 2026, with tickets on sale from $921 one-way in economy. Business Travel News
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Things to do at each end of the route
Top-rated tours & experiences in Atlanta and Riyadh.