World · Middle East · 7 hrs ago
FAA warns US airlines of risks flying over or near Saudi Arabia
The US Federal Aviation Administration has told US airlines to use caution when flying to, over or near Saudi Arabia.
The warning follows attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, including a strike on a passenger terminal.
The sources give different death tolls for the attack: at least 12 and 13 people; both say more than 300 were wounded.
The airport is closed, and airlines have suspended flights there.
The FAA says military activity and interference with navigation systems could put aircraft at risk at any altitude.
Its warning is in effect until Dec.
10 and also covers US-registered aircraft.
Delta plans to begin direct flights from Atlanta to Riyadh on Oct.
23, but its chief executive has said safety will determine whether the airline goes ahead.
The Federal Aviation Administration warned U.S. airlines to exercise caution when flying to, over or near Saudi Arabia because of safety risks.
The FAA cited ongoing military activity and possible interference with navigation systems, saying threats could affect aircraft at all altitudes.
The warning follows attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, which remains closed to flights.
The reports differ on the death toll from an Oct. 10 attack, giving figures of 12 and 13; both report more than 300 people wounded.
Delta Air Lines is scheduled to begin direct flights from Atlanta to Riyadh on Oct. 23.
- Who
- The Federal Aviation Administration issued the warning to U.S. airlines and operators of U.S.-registered aircraft.
- What
- It told them to exercise caution when flying to, over or near Saudi Arabia because of safety risks.
- When
- The warning was issued on Oct. 11 and remains in effect until Dec. 10.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, including the airspace around Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
- Why
- The FAA cited ongoing military activity and navigation-system interference.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An attack struck a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The Straits Times reported strikes on Riyadh’s international airport.
The FAA issued a caution notice for flights to or over Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh airport was reported closed to flights.
Delta is scheduled to begin direct flights from Atlanta to Riyadh.
The FAA warning is set to expire.
- Warning period
- Until Dec. 10, 2026
- Airport
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- Reported deaths
- 12 in CNBC; 13 in the Straits Times
- Reported injuries
- More than 300
- Delta route
- Atlanta to Riyadh, scheduled to start Oct. 23
- FAA risk scope
- Aircraft at all altitudes, including overflights, arrivals and departures
What people are saying
exercise caution
Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including overflight, the arrival, and departure phases of flight
safety is going to make the call
Sources
Related news
Burnham says Iran’s Revolutionary Guard likely directed Fairford plot
Saudi Arabia reports new missile and drone threats as Riyadh airport stays shut
Two killed and two injured in three-vehicle crash in Sakarya
Doval speaks with Iranian counterpart after ships attacked near Strait of Hormuz
Unexploded munition kills teenager and injures 24 on hike in northern Israel
Houthis warn of retaliation if US joins attacks in Yemen
PKK withdraws from four camps in northern Iraq as peace process advances
Two people killed and two injured in car crash in Bingöl
Canada joins countries condemning suspected Iran-linked plot at U.K. air base
Yemeni forces target Houthi positions in Marib and al-Jawf
Riyadh Airport Closure Disrupts Flights as Iran Offers to Mediate
