Delta pushes back Atlanta-Riyadh service after Riyadh airport attacks
DAL•Delta Air Lines delayed the launch of its planned nonstop Atlanta-Riyadh service until March 2027 after attacks on Riyadh airport. The FAA advised U.S. airlines to exercise caution when operating to or over Saudi Arabia, and Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport is scheduled to remain closed until October 17 at 2100 GMT.
1. Service delayed
Delta Air Lines said it would delay the launch of its planned nonstop Atlanta-Riyadh service until March 2027, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions. The airline said it remained in close contact with government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air, while monitoring the situation.
2. Airport restrictions
The decision follows cancellations by several airlines serving Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries after deadly weekend attacks on Riyadh airport by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. The FAA advised U.S. airlines to exercise caution when operating to or over Saudi Arabia, and a Notice to Air Missions said King Khalid International Airport would remain closed until 2100 GMT on October 17.
3. Planned route
Delta announced the route last year. It would have been the airline's first direct passenger service to Saudi Arabia and the only nonstop service to the kingdom by a U.S. carrier; United Airlines and American Airlines serve Saudi Arabia through codeshare partnerships.
