Air connectivity between Africa and the Gulf is expanding, supporting trade in perishable agricultural commodities, particularly fresh flowers and vegetables from East Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines operates direct services from Addis Ababa to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Riyadh, while Emirates serves more than twenty African destinations. Flydubai, Qatar Airways, and other carriers are also extending connections between African markets and Gulf distribution hubs.
Air freight remains a component of East Africa’s horticultural export supply chain. Kenyan roses destined for Gulf retailers are transported through Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, while Ethiopian Airlines Cargo has expanded dedicated freighter capacity for time-sensitive shipments.
Investment in cold-chain logistics, cargo terminals, and freight partnerships has increased following the pandemic. Gulf logistics operators have also established agreements with African airport operators to handle cargo volumes.
However, regulatory restrictions continue to affect route development. Africa’s Single African Air Transport Market, launched in 2018, aims to liberalize aviation, although implementation remains uneven.
Bilateral air service agreements, flight frequency restrictions, and differing visa requirements continue to influence connectivity. Further route expansion and cargo infrastructure development could affect market access for African horticultural exporters.
