UK → India
Air freight to India from the UK: prices and delivery times
Fast, door-to-door air cargo from anywhere in the UK to any city or village in India, with customs clearance handled for you.
Whether you’re sending Diwali gifts to Punjab, wedding outfits to Gujarat or urgent documents to Delhi, air freight to India is the quickest way to get your parcel to family. But how long does it really take, and how is the price per kg worked out?
This guide explains UK to India cargo delivery times, how air freight prices are calculated, how to pack and address your parcel, and how to avoid the delays that catch people out, especially around festival season.
Key takeaways
- ✔ Air freight to India takes around 7–14 working days door to door.
- ✔ Prices are per kg, based on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
- ✔ Customs clearance in the UK and India is handled for you.
- ✔ We deliver door to door across India, from big cities to villages.
- ✔ Send 2–3 weeks before Diwali, Christmas or a wedding to avoid peak-season delays.
In this guide
UK to India air freight delivery times
Air cargo from the UK to India usually takes 7–14 working days door to door, including collection, flights, customs clearance and final delivery. Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Hyderabad are often at the quicker end, while smaller towns and villages can take a little longer.
| Service | Door-to-door time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Air cargo | 7–14 working days | Gifts, clothes, urgent items, smaller parcels |
| Sea cargo | 10–12 weeks | Heavy boxes, household goods, house moves |
What happens at each stage
- 1. Collection: we collect from your home anywhere in the UK, or you drop off at a branch.
- 2. UK export: your parcel is checked, documented and prepared for its flight.
- 3. Flight: your cargo flies from the UK to India.
- 4. India customs: clearance is handled for you on arrival.
- 5. Door delivery: your parcel is delivered to your family’s address, and you can track it on our tracking page.
What can delay your parcel to India
- • Incomplete address: missing PIN code, landmark or phone number.
- • Customs checks: random inspections or unclear contents descriptions.
- • Peak season: Diwali, Christmas and the winter wedding season are the busiest times.
- • Remote locations: rural addresses may need an extra day or two.
- • Restricted items: anything prohibited can hold up the whole parcel.
💡 Tip: write a clear contents list and include the receiver’s Indian mobile number. It’s the easiest way to avoid delays.
Cargo to India per kg: how prices work
Air freight to India is charged per kilogram. Your final price depends on:
- • Weight: the actual weight of your parcel on the scale.
- • Volumetric weight: for large but light boxes, the size is used instead. It’s commonly worked out as length × width × height (cm) ÷ 6,000.
- • Contents: electricals and fragile items can be priced differently from clothes and gifts.
- • Delivery location: city or village address in India.
Volumetric example: a 50cm × 40cm × 40cm box = 80,000 ÷ 6,000 = 13.3kg. If it only weighs 8kg on your scale, it’s charged as 13.3kg. Vacuum-packing clothes and using a well-fitted box avoids paying for empty space.
Rates can change with airline costs and season, so call 0786 786 0688 for today’s price per kg or request a quote online. We’ll confirm the full price, with customs clearance handled, before you book.
Air vs sea cargo to India
| Air cargo | Sea cargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery time | 7–14 working days | 10–12 weeks |
| Cost per kg | Higher | Much lower |
| Best for | Urgent items, gifts, festival parcels | Heavy boxes, household goods, removals |
| Customs clearance | Handled for you | Handled for you |
| Door-to-door delivery | Yes | Yes |
Not in a rush? Our sea cargo service is the budget option for heavier shipments. For fast delivery, see our air cargo service.
How to send a parcel to India from the UK
01
Weigh and measure
Weigh your box and note its size and contents.
03
Collection or drop-off
We collect from your home, or drop off at your nearest branch.
Once your parcel is booked, you’ll get a tracking number so you and your family can follow it all the way.
Packing and addressing tips for India
- ✔ Use a strong, double-walled box and seal every seam with packing tape.
- ✔ Wrap fragile items individually and fill gaps so nothing moves.
- ✔ Write the full address with PIN code, a nearby landmark and the receiver’s Indian mobile number.
- ✔ Add your own UK name and phone number too.
- ✔ Put a copy of the address inside the box as well as on the outside.
- ✔ Keep a simple contents list for customs.
What you can’t send to India by air
Air cargo has strict safety rules. Don’t pack:
- • Liquids, aerosols, perfumes and anything flammable
- • Loose lithium batteries and power banks
- • Cash, gold, jewellery and valuables
- • Fresh food, meat and dairy
- • Medicines without checking with us first
If you’re unsure about an item, ask before you pack. All parcels are subject to UK export rules (see GOV.UK’s guidance on prohibited and restricted goods) and Indian customs regulations, and we’ll tell you upfront if anything on your list could attract duty.
Peak seasons to plan around
| Occasion | When | Send by air around |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali | October / November | 2–3 weeks before |
| Christmas and New Year | December | 2–3 weeks before |
| Wedding season | November to February | 3 weeks before the event |
| Vaisakhi and Holi | March / April | 2–3 weeks before |
Drop-off and collection in the UK
We collect from homes across the UK, or you can drop off at one of our branches, open Monday to Saturday, 10am–6pm.
Also sending to Pakistan? See our UK to Pakistan cargo rates per kg, or visit our India cargo page for more.
Frequently asked questions
How long does air freight from the UK to India take?
Around 7–14 working days door to door, including customs clearance. Major cities are often quicker; remote areas can take a little longer.
How much is cargo to India per kg?
Air freight is priced per kg based on actual or volumetric weight. Rates can change with season, so call 0786 786 0688 or request a quote for today’s price.
Is customs clearance included?
Yes. We handle customs clearance in the UK and India, and we’ll tell you upfront if any of your items could attract duty.
Do you deliver to villages in India?
Yes. We deliver door to door across India, including rural areas in Punjab, Gujarat and beyond.
Can I send a parcel to India from Derby, Manchester, London or Birmingham?
Yes. Drop off at any of our four branches, or book a collection from anywhere in the UK.
What is the cheapest way to send a parcel to India?
Sea cargo is much cheaper per kg than air, but takes around 10–12 weeks. It’s ideal for heavy, non-urgent boxes.
Can I track my parcel to India?
Yes. Use the tracking number on your receipt on our tracking page.
What can’t I send to India by air?
Liquids, aerosols, perfumes, loose batteries, cash, valuables and fresh food. Ask us if you’re unsure about anything.
Get your India air freight quote
Tell us the weight and delivery city in India, and we’ll give you today’s price per kg, with customs clearance handled.
Leave a Reply