Delta delays Saudi Arabia service launch after airport attacks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 17:32 · Archive

Delta has postponed its planned nonstop flights from Atlanta to Riyadh until March after attacks on the airport killed at least 12 people.

Delta Air Lines has postponed its planned nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh until March. The route was scheduled to launch on 23 October with an Airbus A350-900 aircraft and would have been the first nonstop commercial flight between the United States and Saudi Arabia operated by a U.S. airline.

The delay follows a series of deadly attacks on King Khalid International Airport. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, which have killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300. A projectile struck a passenger terminal on Saturday. The airport remains closed as of Monday, with more than 2,000 flights cancelled since Thursday.

Delta stated that 'the safety and security of our customers and employees always come first and continue to guide our operational decisions'. The airline said it remains in close contact with government and aviation partners and that Saudi Arabia remains an important market. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC on Thursday that safety would determine whether the service was postponed.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning for U.S. airlines on Sunday, advising pilots to 'exercise caution' in or around Saudi Arabia due to military activities and navigation system risks. The warning remains in effect until 10 December.

How it is being reported

• Delta delays debut of Saudi Arabia service until March after Riyadh airport attacksDelta planned to begin the route on Oct. 23, in what would have marked the first nonstop commercial flight between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.CNBC · 12 Oct, 16:48
• Delta delays launch of service to Saudi Arabia over attacks on airportDelta's plans to add nonstop service to Saudi Arabia are being put on hold after deadly attacks on the Riyadh airport killed at least 12 people.UPI · 12 Oct, 16:45

In this story: Delta Air Lines · Saudi Arabia · Riyadh · King Khalid International Airport · Houthis · Yemen · Federal Aviation Administration · Ed Bastian

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