The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States has advised airlines in the country to exercise caution in their flights to Saudi Arabia. This warning has been issued due to security threats arising from ongoing military activities and disruptions in navigation systems in the country.
Details of the FAA Warning
This warning, published in a notice to pilots, is valid until December 10 and follows recent attacks on Riyadh International Airport. In the attacks on Saturday and Sunday, 13 people lost their lives and over 300 were injured. The Federal Aviation Administration emphasized in this notice that the threats may pose risks to aircraft at all altitudes, including during flight, approach, and departure, and therefore, it is considered a "dangerous" situation.
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Impact on Commercial Flights
This warning has also been extended to all operators of aircraft registered in the United States. Riyadh Airport will be closed to flights until 5 PM EDT on Monday. In this regard, Delta Air Lines has planned to start its direct flights to Riyadh from Atlanta on October 23. However, Delta has not yet responded to media requests for comment. Edward Bastian, the CEO of the company, told CNBC last week that "safety plays a vital role in decision-making," and this applies to the continuation of flight operations as well.
In addition to Delta, other major U.S. airlines are also providing services to Riyadh in cooperation with their code-sharing partners. In September 2025, FedEx launched its first dedicated flight to Saudi Arabia. This flight, operated by a FedEx Boeing 777, runs six times a week and connects the continents of America and Europe with Riyadh, as well as connecting to Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Ultimately, this warning and the resulting situation have created new challenges for American airlines and deepened security concerns in international flights, especially in high-tension areas. This situation could lead to widespread impacts on the economy and the aviation industry, and therefore, there is a need for continuous monitoring and assessment of conditions.
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