Delta postpones Saudi Arabia launch after deadly airport attacks

Delta Air Lines has postponed the launch of its Atlanta–Riyadh flights until March 2027 following deadly attacks on the Saudi capital’s main airport.

The airline announced the delay on October 12, 2026, less than two weeks before service was due to begin on October 23. The route would be Delta’s first direct passenger service to Saudi Arabia.

Delta said it remained in contact with government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air, as it monitored developments.

The decision came a day after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged US airlines and other American aircraft operators to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia.

The warning, issued on October 11, 2026, cites ongoing military activity and interference with satellite navigation signals. It covers the Jeddah flight information region and remains in effect until December 10, 2026.

The FAA said aircraft could face risks at any altitude, including while passing through the airspace or arriving at and departing from airports in Saudi Arabia. The notice advises caution but does not prohibit flights.

The warning applies to US airlines and commercial operators, as well as certain FAA-licensed pilots and operators of US-registered civilian aircraft. The notice includes exceptions for operations involving foreign airlines.

The action follows repeated Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. An October 10 strike killed 13 people and injured more than 300. Another attack the following day killed one person and injured nearly a dozen.

Saudi authorities have extended the airport’s closure until 21:00 GMT on October 17. Airlines including Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and Etihad have canceled services.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also widened its Saudi airspace warning on October 9, 2026. It recommends that operators avoid two designated areas in the southeast and northwest of the Jeddah flight information region and exercise caution elsewhere.

EASA said the Houthis’ increasing focus on aviation infrastructure had raised the danger to aircraft on the ground and during takeoff and landing. Missile and drone attacks, along with air-defense activity, also pose risks from falling debris and the possible misidentification of civilian aircraft.

EASA advised airlines to keep their risk assessments current and prepare for changes to flight operations at short notice. Its bulletin is valid until November 16, 2026.The post Delta postpones Saudi Arabia launch after deadly airport attacks appeared first on AeroTime.

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