Delta Gets GACA Nod for Atlanta–Riyadh Flights
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted Delta Air Lines a Foreign Air Operator Authorization for scheduled nonstop flights between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH), opening a new direct link between the United States and the Kingdom.
The authorization, issued under Part 129 of Saudi aviation safety regulations, allows Delta to begin operations on 23 October 2026. Flights will run daily from 23 to 30 October 2026, then shift to three times weekly thereafter, operated with Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
The permit is a foreign air operator authorization for scheduled operations, not a Saudi air operator certificate. It is processed directly through GACA's official electronic services and aviation safety and air-transport departments, under GACAR Part 129, which sets safety, operational, insurance, and compliance requirements for non-Saudi carriers.
Why it matters
The new route strengthens direct connectivity between Riyadh and a major U.S. hub, giving travelers and businesses in the Kingdom a nonstop option that reduces journey times and expands options for tourism, trade, and family travel. It also reflects Saudi Arabia's wider policy of aviation liberalization and connectivity expansion aimed at increasing international routes and attracting global carriers to Saudi airports under national strategies.
Publicly available information does not specify exact fees payable to GACA for the authorization, its precise validity period, or ticket and airport charge amounts. Pricing will be set commercially by Delta alongside standard Saudi airport fees. Travelers should check with the airline closer to the launch date for schedules and fares.
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