FAA warns U.S. airlines of risks at all altitudes over Saudi Arabia through Dec. 10, days before Delta’s planned Atlanta-Riyadh launch

The Federal Aviation Administration has advised U.S. airlines to use caution on flights to or over Saudi Arabia, citing military activity and interference with navigation systems, Reuters reported. The notice, which runs through Dec. 10, says threats could affect aircraft at any altitude, including during overflight, arrival and departure, and also applies to operators of U.S.-registered aircraft.

The FAA notice follows strikes on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday and Sunday. Reuters reported that Saturday’s attack killed 13 people and wounded more than 300; the airport was closed to flights until at least 5 p.m. EDT on Monday.

Delta Air Lines is scheduled to begin direct service from Atlanta to Riyadh on Oct. 23. Reuters reported that other major U.S. airlines serve Riyadh through codeshare partners, while FedEx operates a dedicated Boeing 777 freighter service to Saudi Arabia six times a week. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC last week that “safety is going to make the call” on whether the airline proceeds with the route.

Delta says the Atlanta-Riyadh route will be the first nonstop service between the United States and Riyadh operated by a U.S. airline.