Delta Air Lines is promoting its new Atlanta-Riyadh route, launching October 23, with an unusually aggressive loyalty sale offering one-way basic economy redemptions from as low as 15,000 miles on select dates. The price drops to 12,700 miles for holders of Delta co-branded credit cards. These redemptions roughly equal 220 dollars and 187 dollars including fees. The 13-hour flight uses Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Delta expects a mix of business and leisure travel to Saudi Arabia. The carrier had signaled uncertainty about the launch amid fuel price spikes but is now proceeding. Other carriers have struggled in the market. Virgin Atlantic, 49 percent owned by Delta, ended its London-Riyadh route after one year due to low demand, high costs, and regional disruption. Saudi Arabia continues to subsidize inbound air connectivity while scaling back some tourism projects. Western carriers have faced ongoing challenges sustaining long-haul routes to the region.
