Delta Air Lines delayed its planned nonstop flight service between Atlanta and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday after consecutive Houthi strikes killed over a dozen people and wounded hundreds more at the Saudi airport over the weekend.
“The safety and security of our customers and employees always come first and continue to guide our operational decisions,” Delta said in a statement. “We remain in close contact with relevant government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air, as we monitor the situation.”
The nonstop flight route is expected to launch next spring if Middle East tensions subside by then.
“Saudi Arabia remains an important market for Delta, and we are committed to serving the Kingdom for the long-term,” the airline said. “We look forward to connecting Saudi Arabia to Delta’s global network in March 2027.”
The announcement came one day after the last aerial attack against King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. That attack resulted in the death of one person and injuries to 11 others.
The attack on Saturday was deadlier, with strikes killing 12 people and injuring over 300 others. An American citizen was among the dead, prompting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to make a statement standing in solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
President Donald Trump said he is weighing the prospect of joining the Saudi conflict against the Houthis, which claimed responsibility for both attacks on the airport. Before making a decision, Trump plans to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Houthi-led missile and drone attacks came amid the broader Iran war, which has yet to be resolved. The Houthis are a Yemen-based rebel group backed by the Iranian regime.
AMERICAN CITIZEN AMONG DOZEN DEAD IN LATEST HOUTHI ATTACK ON RIYADH AIRPORT, RUBIO SAYS
Saudi officials are investigating how the nation’s air defense system failed to intercept missiles and drones during both attacks on the Riyadh-based airport.
King Khalid International Airport remains temporarily closed for the rest of the week. Over 2,000 flights were canceled or disrupted due to the attacks.