Air Freight Shipping from/to Colombia

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between Colombia and global markets. With major air exports such as flowers, coffee, fresh fruit, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, Colombia depends on reliable capacity and fast clearance. To estimate pricing and chargeable weight, start with the Air Freight Calculator, validate volume using the Cubic Meter Calculator, and check lane-level lead times with the Transit Time Calculator. Before booking, confirm responsibilities and cost splits using Incoterms. iContainers lets you compare routes, book online, and manage documentation for smoother customs clearance.

At-a-Glance: Air Freight from/to Colombia (What Shippers Ask Most)

Air freight from/to Colombia is best for urgent, high-value, or perishable cargo (flowers, fresh fruit, pharma, time-critical spare parts). Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (the higher of actual vs. volumetric) for the step-by-step formula, see How to Calculate Air Freight Charges. Standard paperwork usually includes an Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List; regulated exports often require ICA certificates (agricultural/plant products) or INVIMA approvals (pharma/medical/food categories where applicable). Restricted cargo (batteries, aerosols, chemicals) may require IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) classification, review the Beginner’s Guide to IATA Regulations before tendering cargo.

Get an Air Freight Quote from/to Colombia

Instant Online Rates

Get real-time quotes for air freight shipments to and from Colombia with just a few clicks. Compare multiple airlines and routes, and book the most convenient option instantly through our digital platform. If you’re still validating weight vs. volume, run a quick scenario in the Freight Cost Calculator and confirm dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator before booking.

How to Book Air Freight with iContainers

1. Request your online quote.
2. Select your preferred route and airline.
3. Upload shipment details and required documents.
4. Confirm and pay securely online.

Customs Clearance and Tracking Support

We support air freight customs clearance in Colombia and destination countries. From DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales) processes to agricultural export permits handled by ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario), our team helps you stay compliant and reduce clearance delays. For smoother processing, ensure your AWB, commercial invoice, and packing list match shipment contents and values, and review common requirements in Customs Clearance & Duties if you’re shipping regulated categories. You also get end-to-end shipment tracking for complete visibility.

Air Freight Services from/to Colombia

Shipping Large Cargo and Pallets (LCL by Air)

Colombia’s exports often involve palletized or temperature-controlled shipments, such as:

• Fresh flowers from Bogotá and Medellín.
• Coffee beans from Antioquia and Huila.
• Tropical fruits (bananas, avocados, mangoes) from coastal regions.
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
• Apparel and textiles from Medellín’s textile industry.

Air Express

If your shipment to/from Colombia requires urgent delivery, our air express service is the most efficient option for small parcels, documents, and time-critical shipments with priority handling via hubs like Bogotá (BOG) and Medellín (MDE). For heavier cargo and pallets, standard air freight typically offers more flexibility and better cost per kg—see Air Freight vs Air Express to choose the right service by size, urgency, and customs complexity.

Typical Transit Times for Air Freight Colombia Routes

These are typical transit ranges and can vary by flight frequency, cut-off times, capacity constraints, customs processing, and any additional screening required for restricted cargo. For lane-specific estimates by season, use the Transit Time Calculator.

• Bogotá (BOG) → Miami: ~2–3 business days
• Bogotá (BOG) → Madrid: ~3–4 business days
• Medellín (MDE) → Panama City: <48 hours
• Bogotá (BOG) → São Paulo: ~2–3 business days
• Bogotá (BOG) → Shanghai: 5–7 business days

Main Airports in Colombia for Air Freight

• El Dorado International Airport (BOG, Bogotá): The largest air cargo hub, specializing in flowers, coffee, and perishables.
• José María Córdova International Airport (MDE, Medellín): Key for textiles, industrial goods, and perishables.
• Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO, Cali): Serves fruit and agro-exports from southwestern Colombia.
• Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG, Cartagena): Gateway for Caribbean trade, seafood, and local exports.

Air Freight Costs from/to Colombia

Weight, Volume, and Cargo Type Factors

Air freight costs are based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric). Use the Cubic Meter Calculator to validate volume, then estimate and compare options using the Air Freight Calculator or the Freight Cost Calculator. Flowers and fresh fruit often require cold-chain handling and airport perishables processing, which can affect total pricing.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Colombia’s export calendar influences freight costs:

• Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day (Jan–Feb & Apr–May): High demand for flowers from Bogotá.
• Coffee harvest (Sept–Nov): Export spikes.
• Holiday season (Nov–Dec): General surcharges due to global demand.

Customs Duties, Surcharges, and Local Fees

In addition to freight charges, shipments may include:

• Import/export duties and taxes set by DIAN.
• Handling fees at Colombian airports.
• Aviation fuel surcharges.

Documentation & Packaging Requirements

Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice

Every shipment requires:

• Air Waybill (AWB): Contract between shipper and airline.
• Commercial Invoice: Required for customs clearance.
• Packing List: Mandatory for most exports.

Packaging Standards for Palletized Cargo

• ISPM-15 certified pallets for compliance.
• Use refrigerated packaging for perishable goods (flowers, fruits).
• Shrink-wrap/strapping and clear labeling.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Colombia applies IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) plus national rules:

• Prohibited: Explosives, flammable goods, narcotics.
• Restricted: Agricultural exports (require ICA approval), pharmaceuticals (regulated by INVIMA), cultural heritage goods (require special permits).