Delta Gains Foothold in Saudi Market Through Riyadh Air Deal, and More

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Delta Bets on Saudi Growth, Partners with Startup Riyadh Air

Photo by Isaac Struna on Unsplash

Delta Air Lines has announced a strategic partnership with Saudi startup airline Riyadh Air to expand air travel options between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The deal paves the way for Delta to begin offering flights to Riyadh as the two carriers work towards a potential joint venture.

Key Points

• Interline and codeshare agreements to sell seats on each other's flights

• Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between the two airlines' loyalty programs

• Plans for Delta to launch a new route to Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport

• Collaboration on aviation services like maintenance, ground handling, and training

• Riyadh Air will be Delta's exclusive partner in Riyadh, while Delta is Riyadh Air's exclusive North American partner

What It Means

The partnership with Riyadh Air provides Delta a way to establish a presence in the Saudi Arabian market as the country invests heavily to grow its tourism industry.

For Riyadh Air, aligning with a major global carrier like Delta lends credibility and connectivity to the startup as it prepares to launch operations in 2025.

The deal also reflects shifting aviation dynamics in the Middle East.

While Delta has clashed with the major Gulf carriers like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar in the past over alleged subsidies, partnering with Riyadh Air signals a new approach to gaining market access in the region.

As Saudi Arabia pursues ambitious economic reforms and Riyadh prepares to host the World Expo 2030, the partnership positions both airlines to capitalize on an expected boom in business and leisure travel to the kingdom.

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