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Delta Air Lines will launch a new direct flight route from Atlanta to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, commencing in October 2026. The 7,000-mile service will operate three times weekly, providing four distinct onboard experiences. Delta CEO Ed Bastian anticipates a slow start for the route, acknowledging American hesitancy about visiting Saudi Arabia, despite the country's increasing popularity as a travel destination. The new service is intended to enhance global connectivity and foster tourism and cultural exchange, as welcomed by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism. This development occurs amid strengthened US-Saudi relations, which saw increased closeness during administrations led by Donald Trump, alongside mentions of Trump-branded real estate projects in Jeddah.
