FAA warns U.S. airlines of safety risks over Saudi Arabia after attacks
In this article
- DAL
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.
Read more Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home raided by DHS in fraud probe of immigration paperwork: Report
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.
Read more Global travel warnings after Iran-backed Houthi militants strike Riyadh airport
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.
Most U.S. airlines don’t fly to Saudi Arabia.
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.
Read more Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready to agree to energy ceasefire, but warns Russia must do same
Read more CNBC airline news
- Why airfare could rise even more, but airline profits won’t
- Budget airline king Bill Franke warms to premium upgrades
- Companies spurn airlines’ cheapest business class tickets
- United’s next decision: What to do with all those Boeing 737 Max 10 seats it ordered years ago
- Record heat, crowds drive offseason boom in international travel