FAA warns U.S. airlines of safety risks over Saudi Arabia after attacks
The FAA warned U.S. airlines about flight risks over Saudi Arabia as Riyadh airport attacks disrupt travel and Delta weighs an Oct. 23 launch.
The Federal Aviation Administration told U.S. airlines to exercise caution when flying in or around Saudi Arabia after deadly attacks claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis, which have shut down the airport in the Saudi capital.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, remains closed as of Monday after attacks that started last week. The attacks escalated Saturday, when a projectile struck a passenger terminal at the airport, officials said, killing at least 12 people and wounding more than 300.
Airlines suspended flights to the airport, some for the rest of the week.
The U.S., Australia and other countries advised citizens against travel to the region.
The FAA late Sunday said that pilots should "exercise caution" in or around Saudi Arabia "due to safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activities" and navigation systems. It said the threats could be a potential risk "to aircraft at all altitudes." The FAA's warning is in effect until Dec. 10.
Delta Air Lines is scheduled to launch its first nonstop flight from Atlanta to Riyadh on Oct. 23. CEO Ed Bastian said in an interview Thursday, before the Saturday missile attack, that "safety is going to make the call" on whether to operate the flight as planned. As of Sunday night, Delta hadn't changed its plans, a spokeswoman said.
