kabarsula Delta delays Atlanta–Riyadh flights until March 2027 after deadly airport attack bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Delta Air Lines has delayed the launch of its planned nonstop flights between Atlanta and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, until March 2027 following deadly Houthi missile attacks on Saudi airports.

The airline said the decision was made amid evolving security developments in the region, with the safety of passengers and employees remaining its priority.

The delay comes as Saudi Arabia faces renewed security concerns after Houthi missile strikes killed 13 people and injured more than 300 at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday. The kingdom subsequently suspended flights to and from the airport until the following Saturday amid further attacks.

The attacks pose a challenge to Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to develop its tourism industry under its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The kingdom has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, including plans for a major Red Sea resort area, while Riyadh Air was established to strengthen its position as an international aviation hub and compete with major Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Delta said it was monitoring the situation in close contact with government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air.

The airline reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia and said it looked forward to connecting the kingdom to its global network in March 2027.