Delta postpones Atlanta-Riyadh launch to 2027 after strikes on Saudi airports

Delta Air Lines will delay the start of its Atlanta-Riyadh service until March 2027, five months later than originally planned, after missile strikes on airports in Saudi Arabia. The carrier said the kingdom remains an important market and that it is committed to serving it over the long term. The route had been scheduled to begin on 23 October when it was announced in August.

Riyadh King Khalid International airport was hit in several strikes in recent weeks, killing at least 12 people and wounding hundreds more as of Sunday, 11 October. One Saudi Arabian Airlines aircraft was destroyed. Saudi authorities have closed the airport until 17 October, affecting nearly 700 flights a day.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attacks and warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace because of the risk of further strikes. The US Federal Aviation Administration told carriers on 11 October to exercise caution when flying over the kingdom, with the warning in effect until 10 December.

Other carriers have also changed their plans. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has pushed back flights to Riyadh and Dammam until November, while Lufthansa has suspended service to Riyadh until at least 17 October. Saudia, a Delta codeshare partner, continues to offer direct Riyadh service from New York John F Kennedy International and Washington Dulles International airports.

Delta said the safety and security of its customers and employees always come first and continue to guide its operational decisions.