FAA Warns US Airlines Over Saudi Arabia Flight Risks

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a safety warning urging US airlines to exercise caution when operating flights to or over Saudi Arabia, citing growing aviation security risks linked to military activity and interference with navigation systems.

The FAA advisory, released Sunday, October 11, will remain in effect until December 10. It follows consecutive attacks on Riyadh’s international airport over the weekend, raising concerns about the safety of commercial aircraft operating in Saudi airspace.

Saturday’s attack on Riyadh airport killed 13 people and injured more than 300 others, highlighting the escalating security threats affecting aviation operations in the region.

In its Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the FAA warned that ongoing military operations and potential disruptions to aircraft navigation systems could endanger flights at various stages of operation.

"Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including overflight, the arrival, and departure phases of flight," the FAA stated, describing conditions as a "potentially hazardous situation."

The warning covers US commercial airlines and operators of aircraft registered in the United States, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance when navigating Saudi Arabian airspace.

Riyadh’s international airport remains closed to flights until at least 5 p.m. EDT on Monday, creating uncertainty for airlines planning services to the Saudi capital.

The developments could affect Delta Air Lines, which is scheduled to launch nonstop flights between Atlanta and Riyadh on October 23.

Although Delta has not immediately commented on the latest FAA warning, CEO Ed Bastian previously told CNBC that passenger and crew safety would determine whether the airline proceeds with its planned Saudi Arabia route.

"Safety is going to make the call," Bastian said last week.

Other major US carriers provide access to Riyadh through codeshare agreements with international airline partners, potentially exposing connecting services to operational disruptions.

Meanwhile, FedEx expanded its Saudi Arabian cargo operations in September 2025, introducing its first dedicated flight serving the kingdom.

The company's Boeing 777 freighter operates six weekly flights connecting Riyadh with markets across the Americas and Europe, while providing onward connections to Guangzhou and Shanghai.

The FAA warning underscores mounting concerns about aviation safety in the Middle East as military tensions threaten passenger flights, international cargo operations, and regional air travel connectivity.