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Fast-moving supply chains need speed, predictability, and compliance. Choosing air cargo from China to India helps importers hit launch dates, protect margins, and avoid stockouts. For an end-to-end view of options and pricing, explore our Home hub.
Why Choose Air Cargo From China to India?
Air freight is best for high-value, urgent, and lightweight shipments. Importers often search for cheap air cargo rates from China to India, fastest air cargo service, and customs clearance guidance.
Air Cargo China → India Overview
| Factor | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Transit Time | 3–7 days (A2A) |
| Door-to-Door | 5–9 days |
| Cost per kg | $4.8 – $7.8 |
| Best For | Electronics, apparel, pharma, spares |
| Documents | Invoice, Packing List, AWB, KYC |
✈️ Need guaranteed uplift? See our Air Freight services 👉 Get a Quote.
How Much Does Air Cargo From China to India Cost?
Pricing depends on chargeable weight (CW), density, airport pair, and season.
Reference Per-Kg Rates (2025)
| CW Bracket | Economy (A2A) | Express (A2A) |
|---|---|---|
| 45–99 kg | $6.5 – $8.0 | $8.5 – $10.5 |
| 100–299 kg | $5.8 – $7.2 | $7.5 – $9.5 |
| 300–499 kg | $5.2 – $6.6 | $7.0 – $8.8 |
| 500 kg+ | $4.8 – $6.2 | $6.5 – $8.2 |
👉 Want a real-time per-kg quote for your shipment?
How Long Does Delivery Take?
Typical Transit Times (Business Days)
| Origin → Destination | Delhi (DEL) | Mumbai (BOM) | Bangalore (BLR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (PVG) | 3–5 | 3–5 | 4–6 |
| Shenzhen (SZX) | 3–5 | 4–6 | 4–6 |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | 3–5 | 3–5 | 4–6 |
Due to space allocation and transfer differences, door-to-door (DTD) usually takes 1–2 days longer than airport-to-airport (A2A). For faster clearance and delivery, our Express Service connects directly to DTD.
Documents Required for India Customs
Air Cargo Documents Checklist
| Document | Preparer | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Shipper | Declares value and HS codes |
| Packing List | Shipper | Provides weight, dimensions, pieces |
| Air Waybill (AWB) | Forwarder/Airline | Contract of carriage, tracking reference |
| KYC (Importer) | Consignee (India) | Required for Indian clearance |
| Licenses/Permits* | Shipper/Consignee | For restricted goods (DG, pharma, telecom) |
| Insurance Policy | Shipper/Buyer | Protects against loss/damage |
* Depending on product type.
Need help preparing paperwork? Our Customs Brokerage team can manage it 👉 Start Clearance.
Air vs Sea vs Express vs Rail
Freight Mode Comparison
| Mode | Transit Time | Cost Basis | Best For | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 3–7 days | $/kg | Urgent, high-value shipments | Seasonal surcharges |
| Sea LCL | 18–28 days | $/CBM | Small, bulky cargo | Handling charges |
| Sea FCL | 16–24 days | $/container | Bulk stable orders | Port delays possible |
| Express | 2–5 days | $/kg | Parcels, eCommerce, samples | Dimensional weight |
| Rail + Truck | 12–18 days | $/kg or $/CBM | Certain India destinations | Limited coverage |
How to Book Air Cargo From China to India
- Prepare shipment details (weight, dimensions, consignee).
- Request quotes for both A2A and DTD.
- Confirm packaging to optimize CW.
- Book uplift with a trusted forwarder.
- File export docs and clear customs.
- Track milestones during transit.
- Complete Indian customs clearance.
- Arrange last-mile delivery and confirm POD.
👉 Want a step-by-step booking guide tailored to your shipment?Ask Now.
Conclusion:
For time-sensitive trade, air cargo from China to India is the smartest choice. By managing chargeable weight, selecting the right airport pair, and preparing documents correctly, importers can cut costs and speed up delivery. Partnering with an experienced forwarder ensures predictable transit times, fair pricing, and smooth customs clearance.
Ask For a Quote
Need a tailored quote for air cargo from China to India? We’ll compare economy vs express, A2A vs DTD, and include a clear cost breakdown.
FAQs
Q1: What is the fastest air cargo transit from China to India?
Direct flights deliver in 3–5 days A2A, while DTD usually takes 5–9 days.
Q2: How can I reduce per-kg air cargo costs?
Optimize packaging to lower CW, ship during off-peak, and consolidate loads for better rates.
Q3: What documents cause the most customs delays in India?
Missing KYC or mismatched invoice/packing details are the most common issues.
Q4: What’s the difference between A2A and DTD air cargo?
A2A ends at the airport; DTD includes pickup, customs, and final delivery.
Q5: Should I buy cargo insurance for China–India air freight?
Yes, especially for high-value or urgent shipments—it minimizes financial risk.