Dubai-based cargo airline SolitAir has launched scheduled freighter services to Bucharest, Romania, expanding its European network following its recent entry into the European Union (EU) market.
The new route links the carrier’s hub at Dubai World Central with Bucharest’s Otopeni International Airport, marking SolitAir’s second EU destination after launching services to Sofia, Bulgaria, weeks ago.
The expansion follows the airline’s receipt of ACC3 (Air Cargo and Mail Carrier from a Third Country) designation from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority, allowing it to transport cargo and mail into the EU and European Economic Area in compliance with EU aviation security requirements.
The new service strengthens links between SolitAir’s network across the Middle East, Africa and Asia and the EU single market, the airline said.
Romania has emerged as a growing logistics hub in Southeast Europe, supported by the Port of Constanța on the Black Sea, its full integration into the Schengen area and investment in multimodal transport corridors, according to SolitAir.
“Romania sits where the Black Sea trade routes meet the EU single market and that’s exactly the kind of corridor SolitAir exists to serve,” said SolitAir Founder and Chief Executive Hamdi Osman.
Citing UN Comtrade data, the airline said trade between Romania and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) exceeded US$500 million in 2025 with machinery, wood products and cereals among Romania’s main exports to the UAE. Perfumes, iron structures and raw aluminium accounted for a significant share of imports from the UAE, the airline pointed out.
SolitAir operates a fleet of seven Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters, each with a payload capacity of 20 tonnes. The airline plans to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft by the end of 2027 as it grows its network from Dubai World Central.
