Delta Air Lines is considering whether to launch its planned Atlanta-Riyadh flight after attacks claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalated in Saudi Arabia.
The daily service between the US carrier’s biggest hub and Riyadh is due to begin on October 23. Three people were killed in attacks at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital, according to the country’s civil aviation authority.
Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive, said safety would determine whether the route went ahead.
“Obviously, we were disappointed to see the news this week,” Mr Bastian said in an interview. “Safety is is going to make the call.”
He said Delta would inform customers of its decision soon.
The airline had planned to operate the Atlanta-Riyadh service daily from October 23 to October 30, before reducing it to three flights a week.
When the route was announced earlier this year, Delta said it would be the first nonstop service between the United States and Riyadh operated by a US airline.
