Air Freight Services to India

UK to India Air Cargo: Speed, Security, and Compliance

India is a high-growth market with a complex customs environment. For high-value or time-critical inventory, air freight is the essential logistics tool. Shipping International connects your business to India’s primary cargo hubs, including Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), and Chennai (MAA).

We do not just book the flight. We manage the pre-export compliance, ensuring your commercial invoice matches the importer’s GSTIN and KYC documents exactly a critical step to prevent delays at Indian customs.

Service Levels: Balancing Speed and Cost

We offer distinct service levels to match your budget and deadline.

Consolidated Air Freight (Standard)

We combine your cargo with other shipments on a scheduled flight. This shares the Master Air Waybill (MAWB) cost.

• Transit Time: 4–7 days (Door-to-Airport).
• Best For: Regular stock replenishment and cost-conscious shipments.

Back-to-Back (Express)

Your cargo travels on a dedicated House Air Waybill (HAWB) on the next available flight. We prioritise your shipment for immediate uplift.

• Transit Time: 2–3 days (Airport-to-Airport).
• Best For: Urgent automotive parts, AOG (Aircraft on Ground), and production-line critical items.

Key India Entry Hubs

Selecting the right airport reduces the time required for inland delivery.

• Delhi (DEL): The primary hub for North India (NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan). Ideal for textiles and garments.
• Mumbai (BOM): The gateway for the West (Maharashtra, Gujarat). Key for pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
• Bangalore (BLR): The tech hub. Critical for electronics and aerospace components.
• Chennai (MAA): Serves the automotive belt of the South.

Documentation and KYC Compliance

India’s customs system requires precise data matching. Mismatches lead to cargo holds.

Know Your Customer (KYC)

Before the flight lands, your receiver in India must provide KYC documents to the carrier.

• Requirement: The importer's name and address on the Air Waybill (AWB) and Commercial Invoice must match their KYC documents exactly.
• Action: We advise verifying these details with your buyer before shipping to avoid fines.

GSTIN and IEC

• GSTIN: The importer's 15-digit Goods and Services Tax Identification Number must be on the invoice.
• IEC: The Import Export Code is mandatory for all commercial imports.

Regulatory Compliance: BIS and CDSCO

Certain goods face non-tariff barriers.

• BIS Certification: Electronics, steel products, and tyres often require a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certificate. If your product is regulated, it must be marked with the Standard Mark before arrival.
• CDSCO: Pharmaceuticals and medical devices require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.

Specialised Cargo Handling

We handle complex air freight requirements.

Temperature Controlled (Pharma)

India is a global pharma hub. We manage shipments requiring 15-25°C or 2-8°C ranges using Envirotainers and thermal blankets. We ensure seamless transfer to temperature-controlled bonded warehouses at Mumbai and Hyderabad airports.

Dangerous Goods (DG)

We ship hazardous materials in compliance with IATA regulations. We check your MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to ensure packaging meets airline safety standards.