Delta’s new RUH flight will be the first by a U.S. airline to Saudi Arabia since now-defunct Trans World Airlines ended flights there in 2001. The carrier merged with American later that year. The Delta spokesperson said there was “nothing finalized” on any potential financial subsidies from the Saudi government to the airline for the new route.

Delta Air Lines will add Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to its route map in 2026, marking the first time a U.S. carrier will fly directly to the Middle Eastern country.

Beginning in October 2026, Delta will start non-stop service between the airline’s Atlanta (ATL) hub to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH).