FAA Warns US Airlines to Exercise Caution in Saudi Arabia

The Federal Aviation Administration told US airlines Sunday to exercise caution flying to or over Saudi Arabia. It cited military activity and interference with navigation systems.

• 13 people died and more than 300 were hurt in Saturday's Houthi strike.
• 1 more person died and 11 were injured in a Sunday attack.
• Dec. 10 is the expiration date of the FAA's notice to airmen.
• The notice also covers operators of US-registered aircraft.

Why it matters: The FAA said the threats could put aircraft at risk at all altitudes, including overflights, arrivals and departures. That puts new US commercial links to Saudi Arabia in question.

• Delta plans direct Atlanta-Riyadh flights starting Oct. 23.
• FedEx has flown a 777 freighter to Riyadh six times weekly since September 2025.

How 10 sources split on this story

What’s next: Riyadh airport remains closed through at least 5 p.m. EDT Monday. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC that "safety is going to make the call" on the new route.

• The UK Embassy advised against all but essential travel to Jeddah, Dammam and all Saudi airports.
• EASA recommended airlines avoid additional portions of Saudi airspace.
• Will Delta launch its Atlanta-Riyadh service on schedule?
• Will the Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure expand, as the US Embassy in Jordan warned they could?
• Who is behind the reported navigation-system interference? The FAA did not say.