Air freight from India to international destinations typically costs between USD 1.50 to USD 8.00 per kilogram depending on the destination, shipment size, service type, and seasonal demand. The Middle East offers the most economical rates at around $1.80–$2.50/kg, while destinations like North America, Canada, and Africa command premium rates of $5–$8/kg.
Air Freight Rates by Destination
North America (USA & Canada)
Air freight to the United States from India typically costs $3–$5 per kg for standard shipments between 150–500 kg. Express courier services through DHL, FedEx, or UPS cost $8–$12 per kg with 3–5 day delivery. For Canada, door-to-door air cargo rates start at approximately ₹950/kg (≈$11) for shipments of 30+ kg and reduce to ₹750/kg (≈$9) for shipments exceeding 100 kg.
Europe (UK, Germany, France)
Air freight from Mumbai to European destinations ranges from $2.50–$3.50 per kg for standard services. The India-to-Europe corridor has seen rate volatility, with spot rates reaching $3.50/kg during peak demand periods. Door-to-door air cargo to the UK costs approximately ₹650–₹900/kg depending on weight brackets, with rates decreasing significantly for bulk shipments exceeding 100 kg.
Middle East (Dubai/UAE)
The India-to-Middle East route offers the most competitive air freight rates due to geographical proximity and high trade volumes. Standard rates range from $1.80–$2.50/kg, with bulk cargo (100+ kg) rates at approximately AED 23–28/kg (≈$6–7.50) for door-to-door service. Transit time is typically 4–8 business days.
Asia-Pacific (Australia, Singapore, China, Japan)
Africa (South Africa)
Air freight to African destinations commands premium rates due to limited direct routes. Rates to South Africa start at approximately ₹649/kg ($7.50) for bulk shipments, with smaller packages costing ₹1,500–₹2,250/kg for 1–3 kg shipments.
How Air Freight Charges Are Calculated
Chargeable Weight Formula
Air freight costs are based on chargeable weight, which is the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight. The standard volumetric weight formula is:Volumetric Weight (kg)=Length×Width×Height (cm)6000Volumetric Weight (kg)=6000Length×Width×Height (cm)
For example, a package measuring 100×60×30 cm has a volumetric weight of 30 kg, regardless of its actual weight. Airlines charge based on whichever is greater.
Weight Bracket Pricing
Rates decrease as shipment weight increases due to volume discounts:
| Weight Bracket | Typical Rate Reduction |
|---|---|
| Under 45 kg | Full rate |
| 45–100 kg | 5–10% discount |
| 100–300 kg | 10–20% discount |
| 300–500 kg | 15–25% discount |
| 1000+ kg | 20–35% discount |
Additional Surcharges and Fees
Fuel Surcharge
Airlines apply fuel surcharges of 15–25% on base rates, adjusted periodically based on jet fuel prices. FedEx’s international fuel surcharge as of November 2025 stands at approximately 33%.
Security Surcharge
Security screening fees range from $0.15–$0.25 per kg at Indian airports. For shipments from non-certified shippers, additional X-ray examination costs may apply.
Handling Charges at Indian Airports
| Cargo Type | Handling Charges |
|---|---|
| General cargo | ₹0.74–₹2.22/kg |
| Special cargo | ₹1.47–₹6.00/kg |
| Dangerous goods | Additional fees apply |
Additional Fees
- Customs clearance: Variable based on cargo value and destination
- Documentation fees: $50–$150 per shipment
- Terminal handling: $0.10–$0.20/kg
- Remote area surcharge: ₹45/kg minimum ₹2,500 (where applicable)
Service Types and Transit Times
Express Air Service
The fastest option with direct flights, minimal handling, and 1–3 day delivery for urgent, high-value, or perishable shipments. Rates are 50–100% higher than standard services but offer guaranteed delivery windows and enhanced tracking.
Standard Air Service
The most commonly used option, balancing cost and speed with 5–10 day delivery. Shipments may have one or two stops but remain faster than deferred options.
Deferred Air Service
The most economical air option with multiple stops and 7–14 day delivery. Suitable for non-urgent cargo that still requires faster transit than sea freight.
Major Air Cargo Hubs in India
Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport) serves as India’s largest air cargo gateway, handling over one million metric tonnes annually. The airport connects to 150+ destinations worldwide through 67+ airlines and 30+ freighter operators.
Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport) handles over 180,000 tonnes annually, with pharmaceutical exports comprising 72% of total cargo. It features India’s first Pharma Zone with temperature-controlled facilities.
Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport) serves as a major hub for western India’s industrial corridor, offering extensive connectivity to Europe, Middle East, and the Americas.
Cost Optimization Strategies
Consolidation services for shipments under 100 kg can achieve 20–30% savings by sharing container space. Booking 7–14 days in advance helps secure stable rates and guaranteed capacity during peak seasons.
Negotiating annual contracts with volume commitments can secure 10–15% discounts off published rates plus priority handling. Shipping during off-peak periods (avoiding October–December festive seasons) avoids the typical 25–40% rate increases.
Packaging optimization by using lightweight materials and maximizing space utilization reduces volumetric weight charges. Encouraging larger, less frequent orders instead of multiple small shipments significantly reduces per-unit costs.
Comparison: Air Freight vs Other Modes
Air freight costs approximately 4–5 times more than road transport and 12–16 times more than sea freight, making it most suitable for time-sensitive, perishable, or high-value shipments where speed justifies the premium.