Business · Companies · 3 days ago
Delta weighs postponing planned Atlanta–Riyadh flights over safety concerns
Delta Air Lines is deciding whether to start flights between Atlanta and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct.
23.
The route is planned to be the first nonstop service between the United States and Riyadh operated by a U.S. airline.
The decision comes after attacks claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen escalated in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority said three people were killed in attacks at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said safety will decide whether the flights go ahead, and that the airline will tell customers soon.
The airline planned daily flights from Oct.
23 to Oct.
30, then service three times a week.
Lufthansa has paused flights to Saudi Arabia through at least Oct.
16.
Delta Air Lines is weighing whether to launch its planned Atlanta–Riyadh flights after attacks in Saudi Arabia raised safety concerns.
CEO Ed Bastian said safety would determine the decision and that customers would be informed soon.
The service is scheduled to begin on Oct. 23.
Three people were killed in attacks at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, according to Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority.
Lufthansa said it was pausing flights into Saudi Arabia through at least Oct. 16.
- Who
- Delta Air Lines is considering whether to begin the service. CEO Ed Bastian said safety would decide.
- What
- Delta is weighing whether to launch planned flights between Atlanta and Riyadh.
- When
- The flights are scheduled to begin on Oct. 23.
- Where
- Between Atlanta, United States, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Attacks in Saudi Arabia, including at Riyadh’s airport, have raised safety concerns.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Safety is is going to make the call.
Obviously, we were disappointed to see the news this week,
Attacks claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalated in Saudi Arabia, including at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
Bastian said Delta was weighing whether to launch the Atlanta–Riyadh flights and would inform customers soon.
Lufthansa’s pause on flights into Saudi Arabia was due to last through at least this date.
Delta’s Atlanta–Riyadh service is scheduled to begin.
Delta plans to operate the service daily before moving to three-times-a-week service.
- Route
- Atlanta–Riyadh
- Scheduled launch
- Oct. 23
- Planned initial frequency
- Daily from Oct. 23 to Oct. 30
- Planned later frequency
- Three times a week
- Deaths
- Three people were killed in attacks at King Khalid International Airport
Sources
Related news
Riyadh signs contracts for 94 new metro trains
Delta delays Atlanta–Riyadh flights until March after airport attacks
SALIC transfers National Grain Co. ownership to SABIL in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Deputy Finance Minister Says Reforms Strengthened Economy
Saudi Arabia issues first beach operator licence for YAM Beach
Saudi Arabia Reports 6.5% Growth in Foreign Direct Investment
Advanced Petrochemical expects improved fourth-quarter performance
Riyadh hosts global energy conference as airport attack tests continuity
Saudi minister says fiscal sustainability helped boost investor confidence
Transport Authority eases vehicle ownership rules for licensed businesses
Saudi ministers open 25th World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh
