Delta delays Atlanta–Riyadh launch to March 2027 after attacks

Delta Air Lines has postponed the launch of its Atlanta–Riyadh service until March 2027, following deadly attacks on King Khalid International Airport (RUH). The airline announced the change on 12 October 2026, less than two weeks before flights were due to begin on 23 October. Several other carriers have also suspended services to the Saudi capital, according to AirlineGeeks.

Delta's decision

The route would have been the first nonstop passenger service between the US and Saudi Arabia operated by a US carrier, The Points Guy reports. It was planned to start with a week of daily flights before moving to three a week using an Airbus A350-900. Live and Let's Fly notes that the announcement gives no specific March date.

Delta cited "evolving developments in the region" and said it remains in contact with government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air. It said it remains committed to serving Saudi Arabia over the long term. The Points Guy reports that CEO Ed Bastian had told CNBC days earlier that safety would "make the call".

The attacks and official warnings

AeroTime reports that a Houthi strike on 10 October killed 13 people and injured more than 300, and a further attack the next day killed one person. The Points Guy puts the total at at least 16 dead. Saudi authorities have extended the airport's closure until 21:00 GMT on 17 October.

According to AeroTime, the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a caution on 11 October for flying to or over Saudi Arabia, citing military activity and satellite navigation interference. It runs until 10 December and does not prohibit flights. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency widened its own warning on 9 October, valid until 16 November, advising operators to avoid two designated areas of the Jeddah flight information region.

Other airlines pause service

AirlineGeeks says that as of Tuesday 13 October, Air India, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Gulf Air, IndiGo, Philippine Airlines and Qatar Airways, plus airlines owned by Air France-KLM and the Lufthansa Group, had suspended Riyadh flights. Most have paused until later this week or next week.

• Cathay Pacific has postponed resumption of Riyadh and Dubai flights through 31 January 2027.
• Philippine Airlines will not restart Riyadh service until 29 November.
• Etihad has cancelled Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah flights until 19 October.
• IndiGo and Qatar Airways paused Riyadh and Dammam; Air India and Gulf Air cancelled Riyadh only.

What this means for travellers

Anyone booked to Riyadh, or connecting through Saudi Arabia, should check their airline's current status before travelling, as suspension dates vary by carrier and may change. Delta passengers booked on the inaugural flight or any later departure before March can use the My Trips section of Delta's app or website to rebook, reroute or claim a refund.

Because the FAA notice applies to US operators and the airport closure currently runs to 17 October, reopening dates and airline restarts remain uncertain. It is not yet known whether Delta will keep the March date.

Sources: AeroTime, The Points Guy, Live and Let's Fly, AirlineGeeks.