Delta Air Lines has delayed the launch of its nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh until March after deadly attacks at the Saudi capital’s airport.
The route had been due to begin on 23 October using an Airbus A350-900. It would have been the first nonstop commercial service between the United States and Saudi Arabia operated by a US airline.
Thousands of flights to and from King Khalid International Airport have been cancelled since Thursday, according to Flightradar24. The airport remained closed on Monday after a projectile struck a passenger terminal on Saturday.
Officials said at least 12 people were killed and more than 300 wounded in the attack, which was claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis. Airlines suspended services to the airport, with some cancellations extending through the rest of the week.
Delta said it was monitoring the situation with government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air.
“Saudi Arabia remains an important market for Delta, and we are committed to serving the Kingdom for the long-term,” the airline said in a statement.
Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said last week that safety would determine whether the service went ahead. “Obviously, we were disappointed to see the news this week,” he said. “Safety is going to make the call.”
The decision followed a warning from the Federal Aviation Administration advising US airlines to exercise caution when flying in or around Saudi Arabia.
The FAA said ongoing military activity and risks involving navigation systems could pose a potential threat to aircraft at all altitudes. Its warning is due to remain in effect until 10 December.
The United States and Australia have also advised their citizens against travelling to the region.
