Air Freight Shipping from/to India
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Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between India and the world. With a strong export base in pharmaceuticals, textiles, jewelry, automotive parts, and technology products, India relies on reliable and efficient logistics. iContainers connects your business to global trade lanes with instant online quotes, 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.
How to Book Air Freight with iContainers
- Request your online quote.
- Select your preferred route and airline.
- Upload shipment details and required documents.
- Confirm and pay securely online.
Customs Clearance and Tracking Support
We assist with customs clearance in India and destination countries. From CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) procedures to FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) approvals, our team ensures compliance with Indian authorities. 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
When shipping to India under tight deadlines, our air express service offers the fastest air shipping alternative. It is ideal for urgent commercial goods, spare parts, and high-value cargo. Air express focuses on speed through priority processing and optimized routing. This option is widely used for shipments via major hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai.
Typical Transit Times for Air Freight India Routes
- 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 Services
Understanding Air Freight from/to India
What Is Air Freight?
Air freight is the transportation of goods by aircraft. It is faster and more secure than ocean freight, ideal for urgent or high-value cargo.
When to Choose Air Freight vs. Ocean Freight
- Choose air freight for time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable shipments (e.g., fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, wine).
- Choose ocean freight for bulk goods like soybeans, corn, or industrial equipment where cost efficiency is the priority.
Benefits of Air Freight for Businesses
- Speed: Access to global markets within days.
- Security: Reduced risk of theft or damage compared to other modes.
- Reliability: Predictable schedules with frequent departures.
Air Freight Costs from/to India
Weight, Volume, and Cargo Type Factors
Air freight charges are based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric). Products like textiles (lightweight but voluminous) and pharmaceuticals (compact and high-value) are priced differently.
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
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 applies IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) plus national restrictions:
- Prohibited: Narcotics, explosives, counterfeit goods.
- Restricted: Pharmaceuticals (require CDSCO/FSSAI approval), agricultural products (require APEDA/FSSAI certification), cultural/heritage items (require DGFT permits).
Why Choose iContainers for Air Freight India?
- Instant quotes and easy booking via our digital platform
- Coverage international main airports
- Compliance expertise for SENASA, ANMAT, and customs requirements
- Shipment tracking from origin to destination
- Dedicated support team to guide you through documentation and regulations
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Freight from/to India
Transit times range from 2 to 8 business days depending on the destination.
Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), Kolkata (CCU).
Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and where applicable, DGFT/FSSAI/CDSCO permits.
Explosives, narcotics, counterfeit products, and restricted items requiring government clearance.
References
- India – Import Requirements and Documentation — Trade.gov
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
- Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
