Dubai-based cargo carrier SolitAir has launched cargo services to Bucharest’s Otopeni International Airport (OTP), adding its second destination in the European Union.
The new service connects the carrier’s hub at Dubai World Central (DWC) with Romania, following the launch of SolitAir’s first EU services to Sofia, Bulgaria, a few weeks earlier.
The expansion has been enabled by SolitAir securing ACC3 (Air Cargo and Mail Carrier from a Third Country) status from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority.
The designation authorises SolitAir to transport cargo and mail into the European Union and European Economic Area in compliance with EU aviation security requirements.
SolitAir said the Bucharest service strengthens a corridor connecting its existing Middle East, Africa and Asia network with the EU single market.
Romania is developing its position as a cargo and logistics hub in Southeast Europe, supported by Black Sea access through the Port of Constanța, Schengen integration and investment in regional multimodal transport corridors.
Trade between Romania and the UAE totalled more than $500 million in 2025, according to UN Comtrade data, with Romanian exports reaching $405.75 million and imports from the UAE totalling $105.02 million.
Machinery, wood products and cereals are among Romania’s largest exports to the UAE, while perfumes, iron structures and raw aluminium are among its main imports from the UAE.
Hamdi Osman, founder and chief executive of SolitAir, said: “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.
“Every new route we open is a promise to our customers: reliable capacity, on time, every time. That's the main thing, and it stays the main thing as we grow across Europe and the entire Global South.”
SolitAir’s ACC3 status complements its existing UAE GCAA Air Operator’s Certificate and EASA Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation, providing the regulatory approvals required to operate scheduled freighter services into the EU.
