Astral adds Asmara route via Middle East hub

Astral Aviation has launched a new weekly cargo flight between Nairobi and Asmara, adding capacity on a key East Africa route and linking Eritrea more directly to global cargo networks, while also expanding its presence in the Middle East.

The service runs through Nairobi, which acts as a hub for onward connections. From there, cargo can move to cities across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. These include Jeddah, Riyadh, Sharjah, Dubai World Central (DWC), Djibouti, Mogadishu, Port Sudan, Entebbe, Kigali, Juba and Dar es Salaam.

The new route improves access for exporters and importers in Eritrea, where air cargo options have been limited. It gives businesses a faster way to move goods such as perishables, medical supplies and general cargo.

For the wider region, the service adds frequency and flexibility. Nairobi remains a key cargo hub in East Africa, and stronger links with Asmara help connect smaller markets to larger trade corridors.

The move also reflects steady demand for air cargo across the Horn of Africa, driven by growing trade and the need for quicker transport. By adding this route, Astral Aviation is expanding its network in a region where reliable logistics links are still developing.