Trump Admin Warns US Airlines of Saudi Airspace Risks After Deadly Riyadh Airport Attacks, Putting Delta's Launch Next Week in Doubt

The Trump administration asked U.S. airlines on Sunday to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia, warning that military activity and navigation-system interference could threaten aircraft "at all altitudes." FAA Flags Risks Across Saudi Airspace The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which operates under Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s department and is led by Administrator Bryan Bedford, issued the notice through Dec. 10, after weekend strikes on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Reuters reported that Saturday’s attack killed 13 people and wounded more than 300, while the airport remained closed through at least 5 p.m. EDT Monday. The notice also applies to operators of U.S.-registered aircraft. "Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including overflight, the arrival, and departure phases of flight," the FAA said, describing a "potentially hazardous situation." Delta’s Riyadh Launch Faces Fresh Uncertainty The warning creates uncertainty for Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL), which plans to launch nonstop Atlanta-Riyadh service on Oct. 23. Delta says the route will become its first direct service to Saudi Arabia and the first nonstop U.S.-Riyadh service operated by an American airline. It plans daily flights through Oct. 30 before moving to three weekly Airbus A350-900 flights. Read Also: Delta Says It Can Absorb $6 Billion in Higher Fuel Costs — How Is American Positioned? CEO Ed Bastian said last week that "safety is going to make the call" on whether Delta proceeds. The airline had already begun reviewing the Riyadh launch after the attacks. Other major U.S. airlines serve Riyadh through codeshare partners. FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX), meanwhile, launched its first dedicated Saudi flight in September 2025. FedEx says its Boeing 777 freighter operates six times weekly, connecting the Americas and Europe with Riyadh and onward service to Guangzhou and Shanghai. Regional Fighting Spills Into Commercial Aviation The FAA alert comes as the regional conflict increasingly disrupts commercial aviation. Reuters reported on Sunday that Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis warned airlines and travelers to avoid Saudi airports after the Riyadh strikes. A fresh attack on Sunday killed another person and injured 11, according to Saudi aviation authorities. The escalation has already forced carriers to reassess operations. Delta’s planned launch is now less than two weeks away, while Riyadh’s airport closure and repeated attacks complicate schedules across the region. The airline has not yet announced whether it will delay its Oct. 23 inaugural flight. Delta did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Benzinga. Read Also: Global Airline Industry’s Woes Go From Bad To Worse With Deadly Houthi Strikes On Riyadh Airport Photo courtesy: Shutterstock