Shipping from India to China by air
When it comes to fast, secure, and time-sensitive cargo deliveries, air freight remains the most effective solution between India and China. Businesses today rely on air shipping to maintain inventory, launch new products, and satisfy urgent customer demands across borders. At ASIANIA LOGISTIKA, we handle every aspect of air freight — from pickup to customs clearance — delivering not just goods, but confidence in every shipment. Here’s everything you need to know about shipping cost from India to China by air.
How Air Freight from India to China Works
Shipping by air involves more than simply booking a flight. It’s a detailed process requiring precision at every stage:
- Cargo Pickup & Packaging: We collect cargo from your facility, ensuring it’s packed according to IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines. Proper packaging is critical — incorrect dimensions or labeling can lead to costly delays.
- Pre-Flight Inspection: Cargo is weighed, measured, inspected for compliance (especially for dangerous goods), and loaded onto pallets or ULDs (Unit Load Devices) if necessary.
- Customs Procedures: We file export documentation with Indian customs — a process that can either move swiftly or cause serious bottlenecks if mishandled. Our team ensures all declarations, HS Codes, and certificates are accurate.
- Flight Loading: Your goods are allocated on cargo aircraft or in the cargo hold of passenger flights, depending on cargo type, size, and urgency.
- Import and Final Delivery: Once in China, we clear the goods through customs and arrange last-mile delivery to warehouses, stores, or directly to the end-user.
Thanks to ASIANIA LOGISTIKA’s well-established network and ground handling agents, this process is seamless and predictable.
What Affects the Shipping Cost by Air?
Several variables determine your final air freight bill:
Cost Factor | Impact on Price |
Cargo Size (Dimensions & Weight) | Larger volume = higher charges. Airlines charge based on actual or dimensional weight, whichever is greater. |
Nature of Cargo | Items requiring refrigeration, dangerous goods certifications, or special handling increase costs. |
Route Availability | Direct flights (Delhi–Shanghai) cost less than indirect or multi-stop routes. |
Speed of Service | Express deliveries are more expensive but save crucial time. |
Demand & Seasonality | Rates spike during festivals, holidays, and industry peak seasons. |
Real-world example:
A shipment of luxury apparel sent during Chinese New Year faced a 40% higher rate than one scheduled two weeks earlier — smart timing is everything.
At ASIANIA LOGISTIKA, we advise on the best timing and method to minimize costs without risking delivery schedules.
Air Freight Rates from India to China
Typical costs for major routes:
Route | Standard Service (per kg) | Express Service (per kg) |
Delhi (DEL) to Shanghai (PVG) | $3.30–$4.10 | $5.60–$6.90 |
Mumbai (BOM) to Guangzhou (CAN) | $3.10–$3.90 | $5.40–$6.70 |
Chennai (MAA) to Shenzhen (SZX) | $3.20–$4.20 | $5.50–$6.80 |
Note:
The heavier your shipment (over 500+ kg), the better per-kg rate you can typically negotiate.
Bulk booking through ASIANIA LOGISTIKA opens access to reduced rates and priority cargo slots on major airlines.
Typical Air Freight Transit Times
Speed is the main reason companies prefer air freight.
Service Type | Transit Time |
Standard Air Freight | 4–6 business days |
Express Air Freight | 1–3 business days |
Even standard services are dramatically faster than sea freight, which can take 20–35 days port-to-port.
Express options are critical for industries like pharma, fashion, tech, and perishable goods.
Example:
Pharma companies often ship clinical samples from Hyderabad to Beijing in under 48 hours using express air cargo, maintaining strict cold-chain requirements.
Major Airports for Air Freight Between India and China
To optimize timing and reduce cargo handling risks, shipments typically pass through major hubs:
Country | Main Airports |
India | Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), Bangalore (BLR) |
China | Shanghai-Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Beijing (PEK), Shenzhen (SZX) |
These airports offer:
- High cargo flight frequency
- Faster customs clearance
- Modern cargo handling facilities
At ASIANIA LOGISTIKA, we advise clients on the best airport combinations to meet budget and time goals.
Extra Costs to Keep in Mind
In addition to base shipping rates:
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Fuel Surcharges: Based on fluctuating oil prices.
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Terminal Handling Charges: Applied by airports for warehouse use and labor.
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Customs Brokerage Fees: For completing clearance formalities.
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Security Fees: Charges for mandatory cargo screening.
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Insurance: Optional but recommended for cargo valued above $5,000.
Important Tip: Many shippers overlook insurance, but even the safest carriers have rare incidents. We always recommend insuring shipments for peace of mind.
How to Save on Air Freight Costs
Without proper customs clearance, even the fastest shipment can stall. We manage this crucial phase by preparing all documents in advance and ensuring compliance with Indian customs regulations.
Simple optimizations make a big impact:
- Plan Ahead: Avoid urgent express shipments when possible.
- Consolidate Shipments: Combine multiple consignments for better rates.
- Optimize Packing: Correct, compact packaging reduces volumetric weight fees.
- Choose Flexible Delivery Windows: If 1–2 extra days are acceptable, costs can drop significantly.
Our logistics consultants at ASIANIA LOGISTIKA always help optimize your cargo flow to balance speed and cost.
Why Choose ASIANIA LOGISTIKA for Air Freight?
Because shipping is not just about moving goods — it’s about moving business forward.
With us, you get:
- Priority space on major airlines even during peak seasons
- A single point of contact for complete shipment management
- Door-to-door, airport-to-airport, and warehouse delivery options
- Real-time cargo tracking and proactive notifications
- Personalized service plans tailored to your shipment type and business needs
ASIANIA LOGISTIKA isn’t just a freight forwarder — we’re your logistics partner.
Ready to Take Off?
Your cargo deserves expert handling, transparent pricing, and timely delivery. Get a customized quote for your air freight shipment today with ASIANIA LOGISTIKA.
For additional questions, contact us
Mumbai
Wework Enam Sambhav C-20, G Block, BKS Bandra East, Mumbai, office 2A106 Maharashtra 400051
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