Key facts
- Delta Air Lines has delayed its planned nonstop Atlanta-Riyadh service until March 2027.
- The airline cited ongoing geopolitical tensions as the reason for the delay.
- The route was originally scheduled to launch in October.
- Recent attacks on Riyadh airport by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have led to flight cancellations by other airlines.
Delta Air Lines announced on Monday that it will postpone the launch of its planned nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh until March 2027, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions. The airline stated it is in close contact with relevant government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air, as it monitors the situation.
The Atlanta-Riyadh route was initially announced last year and was slated to begin in October. The delay comes in the wake of several airlines canceling flights to Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries following deadly attacks on Riyadh airport by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis over the weekend. Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions, with one believed to have struck a passenger terminal, resulting in multiple injuries. The airport was evacuated and flights halted after Saturday's incident, which followed earlier attacks that killed four people and injured dozens more. Delta CEO Ed Bastian had previously indicated that the route's launch was not guaranteed, stating that safety would be the deciding factor.