Delta delays Atlanta–Riyadh launch to 2027 after strikes on Riyadh airport
Delta has pushed the start of its Atlanta–Riyadh service to 2027 after missile and drone strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The research points to Houthi attacks that shut the airport and killed about 20 people in a week, including an American.
What it means for advisors: the new US–Saudi nonstop is off the table for 2026–27 package planning. Clients booked on Saudi itineraries, Riyadh connections or Gulf-routed escorted tours may face cancellations or reroutes.
Check with suppliers and airlines now on waiver and change policies. Revisit travel insurance coverage for affected clients, since conflict-related exclusions and cancel-for-any-reason terms will matter. We have no operator-specific responses yet. Look for them from the escorted-tour companies that run Saudi or Gulf-connected departures.