Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian stated that safety considerations will ultimately decide whether the airline proceeds with its debut flight between Atlanta and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The decision comes amid escalating tensions following attacks claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Delta currently schedules the daily service between its largest hub and Riyadh to begin on Oct. 23. According to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority, three people were killed in recent strikes at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport as Houthi activity increased within the country.
Bastian acknowledged the recent events in an interview with CNBC, noting that the airline was disappointed by the news. He emphasized that the final determination rests on safety protocols rather than external pressure. The carrier has indicated it will inform customers of its decision shortly.
Other carriers are adjusting their operations in response to the regional instability. Lufthansa announced it is pausing flights into Saudi Arabia through at least Oct. 16, according to a company spokesman speaking to CNBC.
Delta's original plan for the route involves daily operations from Oct. 23 through Oct. 30, after which service will reduce to three flights per week. When Delta announced the route earlier this year, it described the path as the first nonstop service between the United States and Riyadh operated by a U.S. airline.