Delta is partnering with Saudia Airlines to streamline travel between North America and the Middle East through a new codeshare agreement that significantly enhances destination options for passengers on both continents.

Once all government approvals are secured, Delta’s customers will have access to nine new destinations in Saudi Arabia through the airline’s Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH) hubs. In turn, Saudia’s passengers will now benefit from connectivity to 12 additional U.S. cities through Delta’s hubs in New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX)

Photo: Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. Courtesy of Saudia

Saudia Airlines currently flies to three U.S. gateways: Los Angeles, New York, and Washington-Dulles with its Boeing 777-300ERs.

USA – Middle East Ties

This is not the first time a major U.S. carrier has teamed up with a Middle Eastern airline. American Airlines and United Airlines have established codeshare agreements with Qatar Airways and Emirates, respectively, facilitating direct routes from their North American hubs to the Middle East.

Delta’s new partnership with Saudia will similarly boost connectivity between the United States and the Middle East, particularly for passengers wishing to take advantage of benefits from SkyTeam, as both carriers are prime members of this airline alliance and have had an interline agreement in place for several years.

“Saudia’s growing Jeddah hub and extensive network bring Delta customers closer to greater access to destinations across one of the world’s most important economic regions,” stated Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Alliances.

Photo: Signing of an agreement between Delta Air Lines and Saudia Airlines. Courtesy of Jenn Finch, Rank Studios.

Cantarutti stressed that this strengthened partnership responds directly to customer demand for more travel options between the Gulf and North America.

Echoing this sentiment, Arved Von Zur Muehlen, Saudia’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the agreement’s significance for promoting Saudi Arabia as a tourist and business destination. “Signing this codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines reflects Saudia’s commitment to expanding its flight network, providing seamless travel experiences, and enhancing its global connectivity,” he remarked.

The open-air Delta Sky Deck at LAX / Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

“This partnership fosters greater collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, opening up new possibilities for commercial and tourism relations.”

Saudi Arabia on the Radar

Delta’s partnership with Saudia Airlines is well-timed, given Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to expand its aviation and tourism sectors.

According to Saudia, the new codeshare agreement between both carriers is another significant step in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program, which aims to attract over 150 million tourists by the end of the decade.

Photo: Courtesy of Red Sea Global

Through the Saudi National Tourism Strategy, the Kingdom is working to establish itself as a major global destination for both tourism and business. Its two flagship airlines, Saudia and Riyadh Air, will play key roles in driving this growth.

Delta’s Partnership with Riyadh Air

In addition to the agreement with Saudia, Delta signed a Strategic Cooperation with Riyadh Air earlier in July.

This partnership, which marks a significant step forward in Delta’s strategy to expand its influence in the Middle East, aims to provide customers traveling between North America, Saudi Arabia, and destinations beyond with a range of new choices and benefits.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

“This partnership with Riyadh Air will further Delta’s mission of connecting the world and open an array of new choices, benefits, and destinations for our customers traveling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in July. “Most importantly, Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated customer experience.”

Riyadh Air, set to begin operations in 2025, aims to be a premier global carrier, connecting Saudi Arabia with key destinations worldwide.

The partnership with Delta is expected to offer joint interline and codeshare connectivity, loyalty program integration, and cooperation in digital transformation and sustainability practices.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

“We look forward to enjoying a very warm and productive relationship with Delta Air Lines, one of the largest and most successful airlines in the world,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas.

The two airlines are also exploring the possibility of creating a joint venture to further their collaboration, with plans to introduce new routes, including nonstop service between the U.S. and Riyadh.

Transforming Saudi Arabia’s Travel Landscape

Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a major player in global tourism and commerce have been supported by large-scale investments in infrastructure and the aviation sector. With an $800 billion investment in tourism, the Kingdom is transforming its economy to attract more international visitors and business travelers.

Photo: Courtesy of Saudia

Landmark projects such as luxury resorts on the Red Sea, the opening of historical sites like Diriyah and al-Ula, and the upcoming 2030 Riyadh Expo are part of this broader effort.

Delta’s partnership with Riyadh Air and new codeshare agreement with Saudia Airlines aligns with this vision, allowing all airlines to tap into Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism and the inherent power of the U.S. market.

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