SolitAir, the UAE’s dedicated next-generation B2B, airport-to-airport, express middle-mile cargo airline, today announced the launch of two new destinations in Africa: Port Harcourt, Nigeria (PHC), served via Port Harcourt International Airport and Hargeisa, Somaliland (HGA), served via Egal International Airport.
The new routes extend SolitAir’s African network to 20 destinations across 16 countries, reinforcing the carrier’s role as a connector between the Gulf and some of the continent’s fastest-growing but historically underserved markets.
The additions build on SolitAir’s established East African hub in Nairobi and mark the carrier’s first direct footprint in both Nigeria and Somaliland, extending its reach into Africa and further consolidating its position across the continent’s trade corridors.
Port Harcourt International Airport sits at the heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas economy and ranks among the country’s busiest cargo gateways, while Egal International Airport in Hargeisa anchors a region whose exports – from livestock to time-sensitive agricultural goods – depend on reliable dedicated freighter capacity.
The new destinations bring SolitAir’s total global network to over 60 destinations across 35+ countries spanning Asia, Africa and Europe. The carrier operates a fleet of seven Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, each with a 20-tonne cargo capacity, from its state-of-the-art hub facility at Dubai World Central (DWC), Al Maktoum International Airport, operational since October 2024. SolitAir aims to target a fleet size of 20 aircraft by the end of 2027.
SolitAir holds a UAE GCAA Air Operator’s Certificate, EASA Third Country Operator authorisation, ACC3 designation granted by the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority, and UK CAA Third Country Operator certification.
The addition of Nigeria and Somaliland further strengthens SolitAir’s growing presence across Africa, as the carrier continues to develop its network in line with customer demand and emerging trade opportunities across the continent.
“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,” said Hamdi Osman, Founder and CEO of SolitAir.
“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.
