Delta Air Lines Inc. plans to start direct flights from Atlanta to Riyadh as the carrier looks to secure a foothold in the Middle East and capitalize on deepening ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia following President Donald Trump’s visit earlier this year.

The nonstop service is set to start in October next year, positioning Delta to become the first U.S. carrier with a direct link to the Saudi capital, according to Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian.

Delta is also pressing ahead with its partnership with new Saudi carrier Riyadh Air and is exploring potential opportunities at the planned King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Bastian said in an interview.

That project — backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the kingdom’s almost $1 trillion sovereign w

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