Delta Air Lines has made a dramatic U-turn on its stance towards Gulf carriers, with the airline announcing a new nonstop flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next year. The move comes after years of criticism from Delta and other US airlines, which claimed that state-backed Gulf carriers were receiving unfair subsidies.
The new route will be operated by Delta's premium-heavy Airbus A350-900, featuring business class, premium economy, and coach. The flight will cover the 7,000-mile distance between Atlanta and Riyadh, marking a significant expansion of Delta's presence in Saudi Arabia.
This latest move marks a sharp shift for Delta, which previously claimed that Gulf carriers were "trade violators and cheaters" due to their state-backed subsidies. However, with the pandemic having disrupted global air travel, market dynamics have changed, and partnerships with Gulf airlines are now seen as a way to access Asia and India.
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi flag carrier, which was announced last year, will also be involved in the partnership, providing additional access to key markets. The airline aims to boost business and tourism in the region through its network of over 100 destinations by 2030.
Despite this move, Delta still faces a perception hurdle with American travelers due to long-standing political and cultural differences between Saudi Arabia and the US. Women under 21 require a male guardian's approval for their choices about healthcare and education, and alcohol consumption is prohibited in the country.
According to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, Americans are "not quite sure" about visiting Saudi Arabia, but he expects the service to gain popularity over time. The airline also codeshares with Saudia, another Saudi flag carrier, allowing passengers to earn points on each other's flights.
This latest move marks a significant shift for US airlines, which have previously struggled to compete with state-backed Gulf carriers. With changing market dynamics and growing demand for air travel, partnerships with Gulf airlines are now seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.
The new route will be operated by Delta's premium-heavy Airbus A350-900, featuring business class, premium economy, and coach. The flight will cover the 7,000-mile distance between Atlanta and Riyadh, marking a significant expansion of Delta's presence in Saudi Arabia.
This latest move marks a sharp shift for Delta, which previously claimed that Gulf carriers were "trade violators and cheaters" due to their state-backed subsidies. However, with the pandemic having disrupted global air travel, market dynamics have changed, and partnerships with Gulf airlines are now seen as a way to access Asia and India.
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi flag carrier, which was announced last year, will also be involved in the partnership, providing additional access to key markets. The airline aims to boost business and tourism in the region through its network of over 100 destinations by 2030.
Despite this move, Delta still faces a perception hurdle with American travelers due to long-standing political and cultural differences between Saudi Arabia and the US. Women under 21 require a male guardian's approval for their choices about healthcare and education, and alcohol consumption is prohibited in the country.
According to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, Americans are "not quite sure" about visiting Saudi Arabia, but he expects the service to gain popularity over time. The airline also codeshares with Saudia, another Saudi flag carrier, allowing passengers to earn points on each other's flights.
This latest move marks a significant shift for US airlines, which have previously struggled to compete with state-backed Gulf carriers. With changing market dynamics and growing demand for air travel, partnerships with Gulf airlines are now seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.
. These Gulf carriers have been getting a sweetheart deal from their governments for years, it's just not right 
. Now they're making friends with Delta and other US airlines? It feels like they're just playing the game of geopolitics 
. I mean, what's to stop them from using these partnerships to crush American carriers even more? 
And don't even get me started on the issues in Saudi Arabia... it's a complex situation, for sure 
. But can we really trust that all parties involved are being treated fairly? 
I'll believe it when I see it 
Riyadh's got a new airline comin up & it sounds like they're gonna be pretty cool 
I'm still weirded out by the whole male guardian thing tho 
what's next, gotta get permission 2 eat pizza? 
I guess the pandemic changed everything and US airlines are like "oh wait, we need to play nice with Saudi Arabia" 
. And can you imagine the security checks at Riyadh airport? 
Anyway, I guess this is progress 
!
. They're just trying to salvage what's left of their flagging reputation by partnering up with Saudi Arabia. Like, good luck with that, America 
. Who needs a country where women need permission from their guardians to get healthcare? Not exactly the kind of tourism I'd want to promote 
. Mark my words, this partnership is gonna be a total disaster 
.
. I mean, I get it, Saudi Arabia is a huge market now, but do we really have to ignore all the concerns? 
. But at the same time, I guess partnerships with Gulf airlines are all about access to new markets and growing the business 
!
. I mean, who doesn't love a good business class seat? 
The 7,000-mile flight is going to be so comfy, and I'm sure the premium economy will be a great option too 
. Still, I get why some Americans might be hesitant to visit Saudi Arabia... 
Wouldn't that be something?
. What do you guys think is going to happen? 
.
. But hey, if Americans are hesitant to visit Riyadh, maybe this new route'll give 'em a chance to see what all the fuss is about 
.
. But like Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, I guess Americans will just have to get used to it over time 
.
! it's like the airline is finally adapting to the changing market and recognizing that partnering with gulf carriers can be a win-win for them. and let's be real, who doesn't love a good nonstop flight? 
. Of course, there are still some cultural differences that might take time to get used to (I mean, who doesn't love the idea of a male guardian approving their healthcare choices 
. I mean, the market has changed and stuff, but it still feels like a big U-turn 
. Still, it'll be interesting to see how American travelers react to flying into Saudi Arabia 
. But hey, if it's about getting more people on flights 
, then maybe Delta is onto something 
.