Delta Evaluates Riyadh Flight Launch After Houthi Attacks

Delta Air Lines is evaluating whether to proceed with the launch of its first nonstop flight between Atlanta and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, originally scheduled for October 23. The decision follows an escalation of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, which resulted in three deaths at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, according to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority.

CEO Ed Bastian stated that "Safety is is going to make the call" regarding the final decision. While Delta has not yet canceled the route, the German carrier Lufthansa has already paused its flights into Saudi Arabia through at least October 16.

If the service launches, it would mark the first nonstop flight between the United States and Riyadh operated by a U.S. airline. The route was planned to run daily before transitioning to a three-times-per-week schedule.