{
  "id": 14209335,
  "title": "Delta delays first-ever direct US to Saudi Arabia flights after airport missile strikes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/delta-delays-first-ever-direct-us-to-saudi-arabia-flights-after",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T13:08:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/delta-air-lines-delays-us-saudi-arabia-route-houthi-attacks-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Delta Air Lines has postponed the inaugural direct flight from the United States to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, due to a series of Houthi missile attacks on King Khalid International Airport. The route, which was to commence on October 23 with daily service, now faces a launch date of March 2027. The airline cited the safety and security of its customers and employees as the primary factor in its decision. The FAA has also warned US airlines about potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes following the recent attacks orchestrated by Iran-backed Houthis.",
  "summary": "Delta Air Lines planned to launch a new route to Riyadh on October 23 but the Saudi capital's airport has suffered several Houthi missile attacks.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Saudi Gazette",
        "title": "Saudi taekwondo star Sabah Asiri injured in Houthi attack on Riyadh airport vows comeback",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/saudi-taekwondo-star-sabah-asiri-injured-in-houthi-attack-on-riyadh",
        "published": "2026-10-13T13:06:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}