Delta Was Days From Its First Saudi Flight, Then Riyadh Was Attacked

Delta Air Lines has postponed the launch of its Atlanta–Riyadh service until March 2027. The flight was due to begin on October 23 and would have been the first nonstop route to Saudi Arabia operated by a U.S. airline, so the delay removes a milestone that was only days away.

Travel Weekly ties the decision to a series of attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. An October 10 attack killed 13 people and injured more than 300, and an October 11 attack caused one further death. Delta said the safety and security of its customers and employees always come first.

The route fits into Delta’s partnership with Riyadh Air, a Saudi government-backed startup carrier. Delta said it remains in contact with Saudi and Riyadh Air officials and described Saudi Arabia as an important market it intends to serve over the long term. No replacement start date beyond March was given.

Passengers who had booked the inaugural flights should expect to hear from the airline about their options, and anyone planning travel to the region should check current government advisories. A separate Skift report on October 19 said about a third of Saudi flights had been canceled and that high-profile events were being postponed, even as Saudi carriers restored service.

Sources: Travel Weekly, Skift