UAE-based cargo airline SolitAir has expanded its European network with the launch of scheduled freight services to Bucharest Otopeni International Airport, strengthening trade links between the European Union and the carrier’s growing network across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The new route marks SolitAir’s second destination within the European Union and follows the airline’s recent launch of services to Sofia, Bulgaria, as it continues to build its presence in the region.
Operating from its hub at Dubai World Central (DWC), the airline said the Bucharest service will provide direct airport-to-airport cargo connectivity to Romania, a market of around 19 million people, while offering access to the wider EU single market.
The expansion has been made possible following SolitAir’s ACC3 (Air Cargo and Mail Carrier from a Third Country) designation, granted by the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority.
The certification authorises the airline to transport cargo and mail into the European Union and European Economic Area in accordance with EU aviation security requirements.
Romania has become an increasingly important 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 area and continued investment in multimodal transport infrastructure.
The strengthening of air cargo links also reflects growing commercial ties between Romania and the United Arab Emirates.
According to UN Comtrade data, bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded US$500 million in 2025. Romanian exports to the UAE were valued at US$405.75 million, while imports from the UAE totalled US$105.02 million.
Trade between the two nations spans sectors including technology, transport, logistics, real estate, energy and food security. Romania’s principal exports to the UAE include machinery, wood products and cereals, while imports are led by perfumes, iron structures and raw aluminium.
The Bucharest launch forms part of SolitAir’s wider strategy to establish a dedicated airport-to-airport cargo network linking Europe with key manufacturing, trading and distribution markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.