Delta Pushes Into Middle East With First Direct Saudi Flights
A Delta Airlines aircraft takes off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta.
Photographer: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
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 US and Saudi Arabia following President Donald Trump’s visit earlier this year.
The non-stop service is set to start in October next year, positioning Delta to become the first US carrier with a direct link to the Saudi capital, according to Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian.