SolitAir has launched scheduled cargo services between Dubai World Central (DWC) and Bucharest Otopeni International Airport (OTP), marking the airline’s second destination within the European Union as it continues expanding its international network.
The new route follows SolitAir’s recent launch of services to Sofia, Bulgaria, and was made possible after the carrier obtained ACC3 (Air Cargo and Mail Carrier from a Third Country) certification from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority.
Strengthening Europe–Middle East trade links
The Bucharest service directly connects SolitAir’s cargo hub at Dubai World Central with Romania’s market of approximately 19 million people, strengthening freight links between Europe and the airline’s established network across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The route is designed to improve access between the European single market and rapidly growing trade corridors throughout the Global South.
Romania emerging as a regional logistics hub
SolitAir highlighted Romania’s growing importance as a logistics gateway in Southeast Europe, supported by its strategic location on the Black Sea, access to the Port of Constanța, full integration into the Schengen border area and continued investment in multimodal transport infrastructure.
According to data UN Comtrade, trade with the United Arab Emirates was over $500 million in 2025.
The UAE imported $405.75 million worth of goods from Romania and exported $105.02 million worth of goods to Romania.
Key areas of bilateral cooperation include technology, transportation, logistics, real estate, energy and food security.
Romania primarily exports machinery, wood products and cereals to the UAE, while imports are led by perfumes, iron structures and raw aluminum.
Supporting long-term expansion
Hamdi Osman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SolitAir, said Romania’s position at the intersection of Black Sea trade routes and the European single market makes it an important market for the airline.
He added that every new destination reflects SolitAir’s commitment to providing customers with reliable cargo capacity and dependable service as it continues expanding across Europe and the Global South.
Regulatory approvals fuel EU growth
Following SolitAir’s successful acquisition of ACC3 status, the Bucharest launch allows the airline to carry cargo and mail into the European Union and the European Economic Area under EU aviation security regulations.
Together with the airline’s UAE General Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator Certificate and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization, the certification provides the regulatory framework required to operate scheduled freighter services throughout the EU.
Fleet expansion underway
SolitAir currently operates a fleet of seven Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF), each capable of carrying up to 20 tonnes of cargo.
The aircraft are designed to transport a broad range of freight, including dangerous goods, pharmaceuticals, perishables, high-value cargo and oversized shipments.
The airline plans to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft, operating from its 20,440-square-metre cargo hub at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, as it continues building its international cargo network.
