Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian is currently evaluating whether to proceed with launching the airline’s inaugural nonstop flight from Atlanta to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This decision comes amid recent attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen, raising significant safety concerns. The new route is scheduled to commence on October 23, marking the first nonstop service operated by a U.S. carrier between the two cities.

The violence at Riyadh airport resulted in three fatalities as reported by Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority, escalating regional tensions and causing airlines to reconsider their operations. Bastian expressed disappointment over the attacks and emphasized that safety will be the primary factor guiding Delta’s final decision on whether to launch the flight. The airline plans to inform customers promptly once a decision has been reached.

Delta had initially planned to operate daily flights between Atlanta, its largest hub, and Riyadh through October 30 before reducing service to three times a week. This expansion was part of the carrier’s strategic push to tap into growing international travel demand and provide direct connectivity to an underserved market. Meanwhile, German carrier Lufthansa has already announced a pause on flights to Saudi Arabia at least through October 16 in light of the security risks.

The risks posed by the ongoing conflict and regional instability now pose challenges to Delta’s planned expansion of its international route network. The situation remains fluid as the airline balances growth ambitions with passenger and crew safety. Delta’s eventual call on the Riyadh route will be closely watched by industry observers as airlines navigate the complex environment of global aviation security.