United Arab Emirates cargo carrier, SolitAir has expanded its African network with new cargo routes to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and Hargeisa, Somaliland. The cargo carrier said the expansion strengthens connections between the Gulf and underserved African trade markets.
The new destinations are Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC) and Egal International Airport (HGA) in Hargeisa. Consequently, SolitAir’s African network now covers 20 destinations across 16 countries, reinforcing its growing presence across the continent.
The expansion also marks SolitAir’s first direct footprint in Nigeria and Somaliland. Meanwhile, the carrier continues to build on its established East African hub in Nairobi as it responds to growing cargo demand.
SolitAir Targets Nigeria’s Major Cargo Corridor
Port Harcourt represents an important addition to the carrier’s African network. The Nigerian airport serves the country’s oil and gas economy and ranks among its significant cargo gateways.
The route therefore gives SolitAir access to one of Nigeria’s most commercially important regions. It also creates another air cargo connection between the Gulf and a market with substantial industrial and trade activity.
Hargeisa, meanwhile, provides access to another underserved cargo market. Egal International Airport supports a region whose exports include livestock and time-sensitive agricultural products.
SolitAir said reliable dedicated freighter capacity is particularly important for these trade flows. The new routes are therefore designed around commercial demand rather than simply expanding the airline’s geographical footprint.
The carrier’s global network now exceeds 60 destinations across more than 35 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Its growing network reflects an effort to connect markets where customers require dependable air cargo services.
SolitAir operates seven Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, with each aircraft capable of carrying up to 20 tonnes of cargo. The fleet operates from the carrier’s hub facility at Dubai World Central (DWC), Al Maktoum International Airport.
The hub has been operational since October 2024. SolitAir is also targeting a fleet of 20 aircraft by the end of 2027 as it continues its expansion.
The carrier holds a UAE GCAA Air Operator’s Certificate and EASA Third Country Operator authorisation. It also holds ACC3 designation from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority and UK CAA Third Country Operator certification.
SolitAir Builds Around Customer Cargo Demand
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SolitAir, Hamdi Osman, said Nigeria and Somaliland would strengthen the airline’s connections across important markets.
“Nigeria and Somaliland are important additions to our African network, giving us an opportunity to strengthen connections between the Gulf and these markets. As we continue to expand, we’re focused on identifying destinations where there is clear demand for reliable air cargo services and where we can add value to existing trade flows,” Osman said.
He added that customer requirements played a central role in developing the new routes.
“These routes were built around real customer demand. Port Harcourt and Hargeisa are good examples of how we’re developing the network – by looking at where our partners need to move cargo and building connections that support those trade flows,” he added.
The Port Harcourt addition could therefore provide new opportunities for businesses moving cargo between Nigeria and Gulf markets. It also strengthens the range of international cargo options available to businesses operating around the Niger Delta.
For Somaliland, the Hargeisa route provides another dedicated freighter connection for regional exports. This could support the movement of livestock, agricultural products and other time-sensitive shipments.
SolitAir said its African expansion will continue to follow customer demand and emerging trade opportunities. The carrier’s latest additions consequently form part of a wider strategy to deepen its presence across commercially important African corridors.
