Air Freight Shipping from/to India

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between India and global markets, especially for time-sensitive, high-value, or regulated cargo. With major air cargo flows linked to pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive parts, textiles, machinery, and e-commerce shipments, India relies on predictable capacity and efficient customs processes.

Air freight from/to India is commonly used when speed, reliability, and tight delivery windows matter. Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (the higher of actual vs. volumetric weight). You can estimate costs using the Air Freight Calculator, validate shipment dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator, and check lane-specific lead times using the Transit Time Calculator. Before booking, confirm responsibilities and cost splits using Incoterms.

Standard documentation usually includes an Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. Certain regulated categories may require additional permits or clearances depending on product type and direction of shipment. If cargo is restricted (for example batteries, aerosols, chemicals, or regulated pharma), it may require classification under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), review the Beginner’s Guide to IATA Regulations before tendering cargo.

iContainers lets you compare routes, book air freight online, and manage documentation in one place, helping you ship to and from India faster, with transparent pricing and expert customs support.

Get an Air Freight Quote from/to India

Instant Online Rates

Get real-time quotes for air freight shipments to and from India with just a few clicks. Compare multiple airlines and routes, and book the most convenient option instantly through our digital platform. If you’re still validating weight vs. volume, run a quick scenario in the Freight Cost Calculator and confirm dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator before booking.

How to Book Air Freight with iContainers

1. Request your online quote.
2. Select your preferred route and airline.
3. Upload shipment details and required documents.
4. Confirm and pay securely online.

Customs Clearance and Tracking Support

We support air freight customs clearance in India and destination countries. From customs processes to product-dependent compliance documentation for regulated categories, our team helps you stay compliant and reduce clearance delays. For smoother processing, ensure your AWB, commercial invoice, and packing list match shipment contents and values, and review common requirements in Customs Clearance & Duties. You also get end-to-end shipment tracking for complete visibility.

Air Freight Services from/to India

Shipping Large Cargo and Pallets (LCL by Air)

India’s exports often involve palletized and high-value shipments, such as:

• Pharmaceuticals and medical products from Hyderabad and Pune.
• Textiles and garments from Tiruppur, Surat, and Mumbai.
• Jewelry and precious stones from Mumbai.
• Automotive parts and machinery from Chennai, Pune, and Gurugram.
• Technology and electronics from Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Air Express

If your shipment to/from India requires urgent delivery, our air express service is ideal for small parcels, documents, and time-critical shipments with priority handling via hubs like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), and Chennai (MAA). For heavier cargo and pallets, standard air freight typically offers better cost efficiency—see Air Freight vs Air Express to choose the right service by size, urgency, and customs complexity.

Typical Transit Times for Air Freight India Routes

These are typical transit ranges and can vary by flight frequency, cut-off times, capacity constraints, customs processing, and any additional screening required for restricted cargo. For lane-specific estimates by season, use the Transit Time Calculator.

• Delhi (DEL) → Frankfurt: ~3–4 business days
• Mumbai (BOM) → Barcelona: ~3–4 business days
• Chennai (MAA) → Hong Kong: <48 hours
• Bengaluru (BLR) → Dubai: ~2–3 business days
• Mumbai (BOM) → Rome: 3-4 business days

Main Airports in India for Air Freight

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL, Delhi): India’s busiest air cargo hub, handling pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishables.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM, Mumbai): Key for jewelry, apparel, chemicals, and industrial exports.
• Kempegowda International Airport (BLR, Bengaluru): Major hub for IT hardware, electronics, and perishables.
• Chennai International Airport (MAA): Important for automotive, leather, and textile exports.
• Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD): Global leader in pharmaceutical exports and biotech products.
• Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU): Serves eastern India’s textiles, tea, and leather exports.

Air Freight Costs from/to India

Weight, Volume, and Cargo Type Factors

Air freight costs are based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric). Use the Cubic Meter Calculator to validate volume, then estimate and compare options using the Air Freight Calculator or the Freight Cost Calculator. Pharmaceuticals and temperature-controlled shipments may require additional handling and compliance checks, while electronics and e-commerce shipments can involve security screening and special handling that affect total pricing.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

India’s export calendar affects costs:

• Pharmaceutical export cycles (year-round, with peaks in flu season).
• Textile demand spikes before global fashion seasons.
• Jewelry exports peak before global festivals (Diwali, Christmas, Chinese New Year).
• Year-end holiday demand (Nov–Dec): Increased surcharges globally.

Customs Duties, Surcharges, and Local Fees

In addition to freight charges, shipments may include:

• Duties and taxes as per CBIC guidelines.
• Handling and screening fees at Indian airports.
• Aviation fuel surcharges.

Documentation & Packaging Requirements

Documents Checklist for Air Freight from/to India

Always required (most shipments):

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

Often required (product-dependent):

• Import/export declarations and local customs documentation
• Certificates of origin (trade agreement–based or buyer requested)
• Permits/licenses for regulated categories (where applicable)
• ISPM-15 compliance for wooden packaging and pallets (where applicable)
• IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR) documentation for restricted cargo (when applicable)

For a full overview of documents commonly required for air shipments, see Air Freight Shipping Documents.

Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice

Every shipment requires:

• Air Waybill (AWB): Contract between airline and shipper.
• Commercial Invoice: Required for customs clearance.
• Packing List: Detailed breakdown of shipment contents.

Packaging Standards for Palletized Cargo

• Use ISPM-15 certified wooden pallets for compliance.
• Proper cushioning for fragile cargo (e.g., jewelry, glassware).
• Cold-chain packaging for pharmaceuticals and perishables.
• Shrink-wrap/strapping with clear labeling.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

India follows IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo, along with national customs rules and product-specific controls. Restrictions are often product-dependent, so cargo classification and documentation should be confirmed before booking.

• Prohibited (examples):Explosives, narcotics, undeclared dangerous goods.




• Restricted / may require additional checks (examples):

  • Batteries, aerosols, chemicals: may require DGR classification and airline acceptance under IATA rules.
  
  
  • Pharmaceuticals and medical categories: may require permits or additional compliance documentation depending on product type.
  • Sensitive or controlled items: may require additional customs declarations and clearance depending on category and destination.