• Delta Air Lines is launching the US' first-ever nonstop route to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next year. • This comes after Delta and a new Saudi state-owned carrier announced a partnership to boost tourism. • It's a U-turn from Delta's past claims that Gulf carriers had an unfair advantage in the US.

In a major turnaround from years of criticizing government-subsidized Gulf carriers, Delta Air Lines is further deepening its ties with a new, state-run airline.

On Monday, Delta announced a new nonstop route between Atlanta and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, set to begin in October 2026. The 7,000-mile flight — the first-ever by a US airline — will be operated with Delta's premium-heavy Airbus A350-900 featuring business class, premium economy, and coach.

The news comes a year after Delta announced

See Full Page