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Delta delays Saudi Arabia nonstop flights after airport attacks
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- Delta Air Lines has postponed the launch of its nonstop Atlanta-Riyadh service from October 23 to March due to recent deadly attacks at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.
- The attacks, claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis, included a projectile strike on the airport terminal that killed at least 12 people and injured over 300, leading to the airport's closure.
- The Federal Aviation Administration issued a caution advisory for U.S. airlines flying in or near Saudi Arabia, citing safety risks from ongoing military activities and navigation system threats, effective until December 10.
- Delta emphasized its commitment to the Saudi market and is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with aviation partners, while some airlines have suspended flights and governments have advised against travel to the region.
- Delta CEO Ed Bastian highlighted safety as the primary factor in the decision to delay the route launch amid escalating security concerns.
