Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian announced that the airline is evaluating the launch of its new flight route between Atlanta and Riyadh, originally set to begin on October 23, following a series of attacks attributed to Iran-backed Houthi rebels. These attacks have resulted in fatalities at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, raising safety concerns.
Bastian expressed disappointment over the situation and emphasized that safety will be the primary factor in their decision-making process. Delta had previously indicated that this route would mark the first nonstop service between the U.S. and Riyadh operated by a U.S. airline. In a related move, German airline Lufthansa has decided to suspend flights to Saudi Arabia until at least October 16.
Delta's planned service was to operate daily from October 23 to October 30, transitioning to a three-times-a-week schedule thereafter. The airline is expected to communicate its final decision to customers soon, underscoring the critical nature of safety in the airline industry