Delta delays launch of Saudi Arabia flights until early 2027

Delta Air Lines will delay the launch of its upcoming flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, until at least March, the airline said on Monday.Delta had planned to launch flights from its Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) hub to Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH) on Friday, Oct. 23, with a week of daily service before transitioning the route to three times per week.But that nonstop service is now on hold.The delay comes following several deadly strikes on the airport late last week and over the weekend, which killed at least 16 people in total and left over 300 wounded.Photos circulating online appeared to show severe damage to at least one Saudia jet, while damage was also sustained by terminal buildings.King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh sustained damage in recent days amid a series of attacks. AFP/GETTY IMAGESAs recently as Thursday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian suggested that the airline was weighing whether to postpone the route amid escalating tensions in the region. In an interview with CNBC, he said that safety considerations would ultimately "make the call.""Saudi Arabia remains an important market for Delta, and we are committed to servin...