from SAID ABOUBAKER in Djibouti, Djibouti
Djibouti Bureau
DJIBOUTI, (CAJ News) – UNITED Arab Emirates (UAE)-based cargo airline SolitAir has launched scheduled freight services to Djibouti, deepening its presence in Africa and extending its network to 17 cities across the continent.
The move marks the carrier’s fourth African destination added in 2026, as it strengthens its foothold along the strategically vital Red Sea and Horn of Africa corridor.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Hamdi Osman said the latest route was central to the airline’s long-term expansion strategy across Africa and key global trade lanes.
“Djibouti is a gateway that amplifies the entire logic of our African network. Its location at the intersection of three major maritime corridors means that cargo moving through Djibouti connects not only to the Horn of Africa but to broader East-West trade lanes,” Osman said.
“Combined with Nairobi as our East Africa hub and our growing portfolio of routes across the continent, we are systematically building the most connected air cargo spine on the continent, and we are doing it from our home at Dubai World Central (DWC), Al Maktoum International Airport, soon to become the world’s largest aviation hub.”
Located at the junction of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, Djibouti is regarded as one of Africa’s most critical logistics gateways.
It serves as the main maritime outlet for landlocked Ethiopia and hosts major port and free trade infrastructure, positioning it as a key node for regional and international trade.
The airline said the new route complements its East Africa operations, which are anchored in Nairobi, while extending connectivity further north into the Horn of Africa.
SolitAir’s African network now includes Asmara, Benghazi, Brazzaville, Cairo, Conakry, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, El Arish, Eldoret, Entebbe, Harare, Juba, Kinshasa, Lusaka, Misrata, Nairobi and Zanzibar.
Operations are supported by its logistics hub at Dubai World Central, with services offered through a mix of scheduled, charter and specialised cargo programmes.
The expansion comes amid rising demand for air freight across Africa.
Industry forecasts indicate that cargo volumes on the continent are expected to double over the next two decades, driven by economic growth, trade liberalisation and increased demand for perishables and e-commerce.
SolitAir currently operates a fleet of seven Boeing 737-800 converted freighters, with plans to expand to 20 aircraft by 2027.
The airline ultimately aims to connect more than 50 cities within a six-hour flight radius of Dubai.
– CAJ News