ATLANTA (dpa-AFX) - Delta Air Lines (DAL) has postponed the launch of nonstop flights between Atlanta and Riyadh until March 2027 following deadly Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport had been scheduled to begin Oct. 23. Delta cited 'evolving developments in the region,' saying the safety of customers and employees remains its priority. The airline said it is monitoring conditions with government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air.
The attacks on Saturday and Sunday killed at least 13 people and injured more than 320, according to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation.
Operations at the Riyadh airport were subsequently suspended, while nearly 550 flights were canceled over a 24-hour period, according to FlightAware data.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian had earlier said safety considerations would determine whether the carrier proceeded with the planned launch. The airline said Saudi Arabia remains an important market and reaffirmed its long-term commitment to serving the country.
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