- Delta flies nonstop between Riyadh (RUH) and Atlanta (ATL) starting October 23, 2026, its first-ever route to Saudi Arabia.
- The route runs daily for launch week (Oct 23–30), then settles into three flights a week.
- Flight DL318 departs Atlanta at 10:30pm and arrives in Riyadh at 7:35pm the next day; the return, DL317, departs Riyadh at 11:30pm and arrives in Atlanta at 7:05am the following morning.
- It’s operated by an Airbus A350-900, and it will be the only nonstop link between the two countries flown by a US airline.
- Before the nonstop starts, the cheapest Riyadh–Atlanta economy fare on Wego today is a one-stop itinerary, worth comparing again as the launch date nears.
What Delta announced
DL317 Riyadh → Atlanta: departs 11:30pm, arrives 7:05am next day
Delta will fly the route daily for its first week, October 23 through 30, 2026, then shift to a year-round three-times-weekly schedule. The aircraft is an Airbus A350-900, fitted with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main.
Delta’s current schedule filing has flight DL318 departing Atlanta at 10:30pm and landing in Riyadh at 7:35pm the next day, a block time of about 13 hours 5 minutes. The return, DL317, leaves Riyadh at 11:30pm and arrives in Atlanta at 7:05am the following morning, blocked at roughly 15 hours 35 minutes. As with any newly filed long-haul schedule, these times could still shift before the October launch.
Booking before the nonstop starts
Delta’s nonstop is still months away, so anyone flying the route today is connecting through a hub. A live Wego search for Riyadh–Atlanta flights on October 23, 2026 shows today’s cheapest one-way economy option at USD 426 with Etihad Airways, one stop via Abu Dhabi.
If you’re flying in once the nonstop launches, whether for business or to see family, it’s worth checking Atlanta hotels alongside your flight search. It’s a useful comparison for travelers on this specific new route deciding between staying near the airport or downtown for a short trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Delta Riyadh to Atlanta flight start?
Delta’s nonstop Riyadh–Atlanta service begins October 23, 2026, flying daily for the first week before moving to three flights a week.
What time do the Delta Riyadh–Atlanta flights depart and arrive?
Flight DL318 departs Atlanta at 10:30pm and arrives in Riyadh at 7:35pm the next day. The return flight, DL317, departs Riyadh at 11:30pm and arrives in Atlanta at 7:05am the following morning, based on Delta’s current schedule filing.
What aircraft flies the Riyadh to Atlanta route?
Delta uses the Airbus A350-900, its long-haul widebody aircraft, with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main seating.
Is this the only nonstop flight between Saudi Arabia and the US on a US airline?
Among US carriers, yes — Delta’s Riyadh–Atlanta route will be the only nonstop connection between Saudi Arabia and the United States flown by a US airline. Saudia already flies nonstop between Saudi Arabia and the US on other routes, including Jeddah–New York and Riyadh–Washington Dulles.
Sources
- King Khalid International Airport (@KKIASA) — announcement, August 2, 2026
- Delta News Hub — Delta to begin first nonstop flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- AeroRoutes — Delta Schedules Atlanta–Riyadh Launch in Late-Oct 2026 (DL318/DL317 filed departure and arrival times)
- Simple Flying — Delta Sets Firm Launch Date For Its Atlanta–Riyadh A350 Flights
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
