Delta delays first-ever direct US to Saudi Arabia flights after airport missile strikes

Delta Air Lines is delaying the launch of its new route to Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, following recent Houthi missile attacks on the city’s airport.

The route, which would have started in Atlanta, was scheduled to begin on October 23 with a week of daily service before moving to three times a week.

It was set to be the first non-stop flight between the US and Saudi Arabia. “Saudi Arabia remains an important market for Delta, and we are committed to serving the Kingdom for the long-term,” the airline said.

Delta said the flights will now start in March 2027, though it did not specify an exact start date. “The safety and security of our customers and employees always come first and continue to guide our operational decisions,” Delta said in its announcement. “We remain in close contact with relevant government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air, as we monitor the situation.” Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has suffered a number of attacks in recent weeks.

On Saturday, hundreds were wounded, and 13 people were killed by a missile strike.

The following day, another strike killed one person and injured about a dozen.

The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have been attacking Saudi Arabia after gaining control of a key strait in the Red Sea.

Delta’s decision came after the Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning for US airlines on Sunday. “Threats could pose a potential risk to ​aircraft at all altitudes, including overflight, the arrival, and departure phases of flight,” the FAA said.

As recently as last Thursday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said that the airline was weighing whether to postpone the route. “Safety is going to make the call,” he told CNBC.