October 11, 2026 — Update: Delta Air Lines has still not changed its plan to launch Atlanta–Riyadh on October 23, even though a third and far deadlier attack closed Riyadh’s airport on Saturday. The launch is now 12 days away.
What changed since yesterday
When we last reported, Delta chief executive Ed Bastian had said the airline’s safety and security team would decide whether the route goes ahead. On Saturday, October 10, a missile hit King Khalid International Airport (RUH), killing 12 people and injuring 309, according to Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority. A US citizen was among the dead. The airport has been closed since, and its reopening time is TBA.
Delta’s position has not moved. A spokesperson told Simple Flying, as republished by AeroHaber, that the airline has not announced any changes to its earlier announcement. Bastian’s line from Friday still stands: “Safety is going to make the call.” No decision date has been given.
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia is now urging American citizens to avoid the airport and the area around it.
| Item | Status on October 11 |
|---|---|
| Planned first flight | October 23, 2026, Atlanta (ATL) to Riyadh (RUH) |
| Planned schedule | Daily in the first week, then three flights a week from October 30 |
| Aircraft | Airbus A350-900, up to 275 seats |
| Delta decision | TBA |
| Riyadh airport | Closed; reopening TBA |
Storm recovery
The remnants of Hurricane Isaias brought heavy rain, high wind and a flash flood warning to Atlanta on Saturday, The Weather Channel reported. FlightAware showed more than 700 delays and nearly 300 cancellations across the US that day, many tied to the storm. Delays were possible on Sunday in Washington, New York and Pittsburgh as the system moved north. Pensacola and Destin–Fort Walton Beach airports have both reopened.
What it means for non-revs
- Do not plan a pass trip around the Riyadh inaugural. With the airport shut and no decision from Delta, a postponement is a real possibility. Do not buy onward ZED tickets or non-refundable hotels.
- Crew holding Riyadh trips for late October should watch for schedule changes; Delta has not said when it will decide.
- Atlanta loads should ease early this week as storm rebooking clears, but check loads on Northeast flights on Sunday and Monday.
Sources
- AeroHaber (crediting Simple Flying) — Delta’s Riyadh Launch In Fresh Doubt As Passenger Terminal Blast Leaves Many Injured
- Live and Let’s Fly — Houthi Attack On Riyadh Airport Kills 12 And Injures Hundreds, Raising Alarm Over Air Travel Safety
- TravelPulse — Americans in Saudi Arabia Urged to Avoid Riyadh Airport Following Deadly Attacks
- The Weather Channel — Deaths reported after Isaias hits Alabama, Florida
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