Delta Air Lines has delayed its planned Saudi Arabia debut until March 2027 following deadly attacks on Riyadh’s main airport, as other international carriers extend flight suspensions across the kingdom.
The service had been scheduled to begin Oct. 23 using Airbus A350-900s, marking Delta’s first route to Saudi Arabia. The airline announced the planned 3X-weekly service in October 2025, following its July 2024 strategic partnership with Riyadh Air.
“The safety and security of our customers and employees always come first and continue to guide our operational decisions,” Delta said in a statement. It added that it remained in contact with government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air.
“Saudi Arabia remains an important market for Delta, and we are committed to serving the kingdom for the long term. We look forward to connecting Saudi Arabia to Delta's global network in March 2027.”
The postponement comes as Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) remains closed following deadly attacks claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis. A notice to pilots issued Oct. 12 extended the closure until 9 p.m. GMT on Oct. 17, or midnight local time on Oct. 18.
FlightAware data for Oct. 13 showed approximately 18% of flights canceled at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and 29% at Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport (DMM). Across their networks, Saudia had canceled 51% of flights, Flynas 42% and Flyadeal 34%. All Riyadh Air flights have been canceled.
International carriers have also extended cancellations. Etihad Airways has canceled all Abu Dhabi-Riyadh and Abu Dhabi-Dammam flights through Oct. 19, along with selected Jeddah services through Oct. 15.
Qatar Airways has likewise suspended Riyadh and Dammam operations, with current schedules indicating a planned Oct. 18 return. Its Oct. 13 cancellations included all seven Riyadh flights, all three Dammam services and three of seven Jeddah flights. All four Medina services remained operating.
Emirates has canceled three flights each to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam on Oct. 13, alongside one Medina service. Flydubai canceled all four Dammam flights and three Riyadh services, while its five Jeddah flights had operated or remained scheduled.
Other airlines have also pulled back. Flightradar24 data for Oct. 13 shows IndiGo, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines have canceled flights to Dammam, while IndiGo and Akasa Airlines have temporarily paused operations to Jeddah. Philippine Airlines has also extended the suspension of Riyadh flights through Nov. 29, citing the evolving security situation.
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