Delta CEO predicts Americans will soon be ready to fly to Riyadh as it launches first direct flights from US to Saudi Arabia

“The Americans are not completely sure” about the visit, Bastian said frankly, citing a history of tension between the two countries along religious, political and cultural grounds. But he said that when you come to Riyadh and Saudi Arabia, you see “just an amazing display” of different tourism opportunities and experiences, and stressed that “the people” are truly special, highlighting an “embracing” culture of hospitality and authenticity. He added that people were “amazed” when he told them that Riyadh was actually one of his favorite places he had visited in “a very long time,” but he was willing to be patient.

“It’s going to start slow,” Bastian said, noting that it is the first U.S. airline to offer direct service, “but I think it will gain popularity.” What underscores Bastian’s statements is the simple fact that visiting Saudi Arabia was not easy, a fact that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud is working to change through his comprehensive Vision 2030, a plan to shift the country away from dependence on oil and toward tourism, investment and technology.

A growing center in the Middle East

Business travel, especially to Riyadh’s overgrown financial district, has grown exponentially, making direct contact crucial for global companies, and the Kingdom separately highlighted during the global forum that Working hard to attract regional headquarters of major multinational companies. The Kingdom also launched a new national carrier, Riyadh waterwhich has partnered with Delta for several years, and whose CEO, Tony Douglas, joined Bastian on stage.

Douglas, former president of Etihad Airways Appointed in 2023 To lead the launch of the new airline, he was celebrating the first flight of the new Saudi national carrier to London Heathrow Airport, just the day before. “I had a great sleep last night,” Douglas told Shontell, adding that the nights leading up to the first flight weren’t exactly easy. “There is nothing better than seeing our plane land at London Heathrow Airport, 10 minutes before scheduled time to celebrate this very special moment.”

Douglas’ appointment in 2023 was part of a broader drive to support Vision 2030’s goal of attracting 100 million visitors a year by 2030. The airline was expected to add $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil growth and create more than 200,000 jobs. Bloomberg reported at that time. The Riyadh Airways logo may be familiar to football fans, as it is new The official shirt sponsor of the Spanish club Atletico Madrid.

Delta’s new route will connect Atlanta, its largest international gateway, directly to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. Prior to this partnership, no US airline provided direct service to Saudi Arabia. American and United previously served the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh for years through connections in Europe or joint ventures, but neither maintained consistent direct operations.

Delta and Riyadh Airlines had it A memorandum of understanding was previously signed Regarding strategic cooperation between airlines in July 2024, with the aim of offering a wide range of benefits to customers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and destinations abroad. “We look forward to building and expanding this partnership in the months and years ahead,” Bastian said at the time. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Riyadh Air team and the Public Investment Fund as they transform the Kingdom’s transportation economy.”