Delta Delays Riyadh Service After Airport Attacks

Delta Air Lines will delay its planned nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, until March after deadly attacks struck Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and disrupted flights. The airline had planned to begin the route on Oct. 23 using an Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

The delayed service would have marked the first nonstop commercial flight between the United States and Saudi Arabia operated by a U.S. airline, according to CNBC. The airport remained closed as of Monday following the attacks claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.

More than 2,000 flights to and from King Khalid International Airport have been canceled since Thursday, according to FlightAware. Officials said a projectile hit a passenger terminal on Saturday, killing at least 12 people and wounding more than 300.

Delta said it is coordinating with aviation and government partners while assessing conditions affecting the Riyadh route.

"We remain in close contact with relevant government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air, as we monitor the situation. Saudi Arabia remains an important market for Delta, and we are committed to serving the Kingdom for the long-term." said Delta Air Lines.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian had said Thursday that the airline had not decided whether to postpone the launch before the company announced the delay.

"Obviously, we were disappointed to see the news this week. Safety is going to make the call." said Ed Bastian, CEO.

The decision followed a warning issued Sunday by the Federal Aviation Administration for U.S. airlines operating near Saudi Arabia. The FAA advised pilots to exercise caution because of safety-of-flight risks linked to ongoing military activities and navigation systems.

The FAA warning, which was set to remain in effect until Dec. 10, said the threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes. Several airlines suspended flights to Riyadh, while the United States and Australia advised citizens against travel to the region.