SolitAir has added Port Harcourt in Nigeria and Hargeisa in Somaliland to its cargo network, taking its African footprint to 20 destinations across 16 countries.
The UAE-based cargo carrier will serve Port Harcourt International Airport and Egal International Airport in Hargeisa, marking its first direct presence in both Nigeria and Somaliland.
The additions build on SolitAir’s existing East African hub in Nairobi and are intended to strengthen cargo connections between the Gulf and underserved African markets.
Port Harcourt International Airport serves Nigeria’s oil and gas economy, while Hargeisa provides access to a market where exports including livestock and time-sensitive agricultural products rely on air freight capacity.
The expansion takes SolitAir’s global network to more than 60 destinations across over 35 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe.
The carrier operates seven Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, each offering 20 tonnes of cargo capacity, from its hub at Dubai World Central (DWC), Al Maktoum International Airport. The facility has been operational since October 2024.
SolitAir is targeting a fleet of 20 aircraft by the end of 2027.
Hamdi Osman, founder and chief executive of SolitAir, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
