The Federal Aviation Administration has warned U.S. airlines to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia, citing safety risks linked to ongoing military activity and interference with aircraft navigation systems. This follows deadly attacks on airports in the kingdom.
The advisory, issued Sunday, covers aircraft operating at all altitudes, including during overflights, arrivals and departures. It is scheduled to remain in effect through Dec. 10, according to Reuters.
The warning follows a series of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that disrupted air travel and prompted authorities to suspend airport operations while assessing safety conditions. Saturday’s attack killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300, Reuters reported. A further attack on Sunday killed one person and injured 11 others, according to Saudi authorities.
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The FAA’s notice also applies to U.S.-registered civil aircraft and commercial operators, extending beyond airlines operating scheduled passenger services.
Riyadh airport remains closed
King Khalid International Airport remained closed on Oct. 12 as Saudi aviation authorities assessed the safety and operational readiness of airport facilities following the attacks.
The repeated strikes have caused widespread flight disruptions, with airlines canceling services to Riyadh and other destinations in Saudi Arabia. The situation has raised concerns about the risks facing commercial aircraft operating in the region.
The FAA cited threats associated with ongoing military activities and interference with global navigation satellite systems. It warned that these conditions could endanger aircraft during every phase of flight, including while crossing Saudi airspace without landing.
The advisory urges U.S. operators to exercise caution rather than imposing a blanket ban on flights through Saudi airspace.
Delta delays planned Riyadh service
The warning comes as Delta Air Lines reassesses its planned nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh.
The airline had been scheduled to launch the route on Oct. 23, marking its first nonstop service to the Saudi capital. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC last week that the airline’s decision would depend on safety considerations.
“Safety is going to make the call,” Bastian said, according to CNBC.
Delta subsequently delayed the route’s launch until March 2027, aviation publication Airways reported on Oct. 12, citing the evolving security situation and the continuing closure of Riyadh’s airport.
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The delay underscores the challenges facing airlines planning new routes into a region experiencing heightened security risks. The airline’s decision also comes as aviation authorities assess whether airport operations can safely resume.
Regional security concerns affect air travel
The attacks have prompted broader concerns about the safety of commercial aviation in Saudi Arabia, where military activity and threats to navigation systems have complicated flight operations.
The U.S. State Department’s Oct. 10 travel advisory urged Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia because of risks associated with armed conflict, terrorism and potential drone and missile attacks.
The FAA’s warning remains in effect through Dec. 10, leaving airlines and aircraft operators to assess the risks as the security situation develops.
The resumption of normal airport operations will depend on assessments by Saudi authorities, while airlines will need to evaluate the risks before restoring suspended services or introducing new routes.