The Emirati cargo company SolitAir is strengthening its presence on the African market with the opening of connections to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and Hargeisa, Somaliland. This expansion brings its African network to 20 destinations in 16 countries and aims to support the flow of goods between the Gulf and several markets on the continent.

SolitAir announced the launch of new freight operations to Port Harcourt International Airport, Nigeria, and Egal International Airport in Hargeisa, Somaliland. These two destinations bring the number of points served by the company in Africa to 20 in 16 countries.

The expansion is based in particular on the Nairobi hub, used by the carrier to develop its operations on the continent. A first operation to Port Harcourt has already carried 20 tons of general cargo aboard a Boeing 737-800BCF. The company states that the frequency of flights may be adapted to changing demand

The choice of these two markets meets needs related to their business activities according to the company. Port Harcourt is an important point of access to the Nigerian oil and gas sector, while Hargeisa serves an area where exports of time-sensitive livestock and agricultural products account for a portion of merchandise flows.

For SolitAir, these new destinations are expected to strengthen freight exchanges between the Gulf and African markets where dedicated air transport capacity remains limited.

This expansion is part of a broader air freight development strategy in Africa. SolitAir is already serving several West African markets, including Conakry and Accra, and plans to expand its operations in Lagos, Nigeria, and Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Globally, its network now has more than 60 destinations in more than 35 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. The company currently operates seven Boeing 737-800BCF, each with a capacity of 20 tons, and plans to increase its fleet to 20 aircraft by the end of 2027.