Surveillance footage shows people reacting in smoke at the time of an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 10, 2026, in this frame from a distributed video. Saudi Ministry of Media | ReutersThe Federal Aviation Administration told US airlines to use caution when flying in or around Saudi Arabia after deadly attacks claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis closed the Saudi capital’s airport. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has remained closed since Monday following attacks that began last week. The attacks intensified on Saturday, when a projectile hit 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 United States, Australia and other countries advised citizens against traveling to the region. The FAA said Sunday night that pilots should “exercise caution” in or around Saudi Arabia “due to flight safety risks associated with ongoing military activities” and navigation systems. He said the threats could be a potential risk “to aircraft at all altitudes.” The FAA warning is in effect until December 10. Most US airlines do not fly to Saudi Arabia. Delta Air Lines plans to launch its first nonstop flight from Atlanta to Riyadh on October 23. CEO Ed Bastian said in an interview Thursday, before Saturday’s missile attack, that “security will be the one to decide” whether to operate the flight as planned. As of Sunday evening, Delta had not changed its plans, a spokeswoman said. Read more CNBC airline news Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
