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

Delta Air Lines is delaying the initiate of its new path 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 commencement on October 23 alongside a week of regular assistance before moving to three times a week. It was set to be the archetypal non-stop escape between the US and Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia remains an crucial market for Delta, and we are committed to serving the Kingdom for the long-term," the transporter said.

Delta stated the flights volition now commencement in March 2027, although it did not define an exact commencement date.

"The safety and safety of our customers and workforce continually arrive archetypal and continue to guide our operational decisions," Delta stated in its announcement. "We remain in near communication alongside applicable authorities and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air, as we detect the situation."

Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has suffered a figure of attacks in latest weeks.

On Saturday, hundreds were wounded, and 13 group were killed by a missile strike. The following day, another attack killed one individual and injured concerning a dozen.

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

Delta's decision came following the Federal Aviation Administration issued a alert for US airlines on Sunday.

"Threats could stance a possible hazard to ​aircraft at all altitudes, including overflight, the arrival, and departure phases of flight," the FAA said.

As lately as final Thursday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated that the transporter was weighing whether to postpone the route. "Safety is going to create the call," he told CNBC.