Delta Air Lines has postponed the debut of its nonstop Atlanta to Riyadh service until March, citing deadly attacks on King Khalid International Airport. The airline originally scheduled the route for Oct. 23, which would have been the first nonstop commercial flight between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia operated by a U.S. carrier. Delta planned to operate the service using an Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft.
The delay follows a surge in regional instability that has grounded air traffic in the Saudi capital. According to FlightAware, more than 2,000 flights to and from the airport have been canceled since Thursday. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, which intensified on Saturday when a projectile struck a passenger terminal. Officials reported that the strike killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. King Khalid International Airport remained closed as of Monday.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC on Thursday that the airline had not yet determined whether to postpone the debut, stating that safety would determine the final decision. In a subsequent statement, Delta said it remains in contact with government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air, while monitoring the situation. The airline affirmed its commitment to serving Saudi Arabia long-term.
The decision aligns with a warning issued by the Federal Aviation Administration on Sunday. The FAA advised U.S. airline pilots to proceed with care in and around Saudi Arabia because of risks to flight safety linked to active military operations and issues with navigation systems. The agency noted that these threats could pose risks to aircraft at all altitudes. The warning is in effect until Dec. 10.
In response to the security situation, several airlines suspended flights to Riyadh, with some halting operations for the remainder of the week. The U.S. and Australia have also advised their citizens against travel to the region.