New Places, New Routes

Which cities will enjoy nonstop flights in 2026?

- STORY BY EDWARD RUSSELL

AIRLINES HAVE BIG plans for 2026. While trade group IATA's air traffic growth forecast is going to slow to a more normalized level of 5.8 percent, the industry is set to add dozens of new routes—with many more to come—linking destinations big and small around the globe. Here are 10 of the most exciting coming this year.

DELTA

ATLANTA-RIYADH

Delta Air Lines becomes the first U.S. airline with scheduled flights to Saudi Arabia since 2001 when its new Atlanta-Riyadh nonstop debuts in October. The route aligns with Saudi Arabia's push to expand tourism and aviation, including the launch of a new airline, Riyadh Air.

ALASKA

SEATTLE-ROME

Three years ago, the idea of Alaska Airlines flying to Rome seemed laughable. Then came its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition—and with it, a long-haul fleet. Daily Rome flights debut April 28, followed by Reykjavík and London soon after.

STARLUX