Air Freight Shipping from/to Pakistan

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between Pakistan and global markets, especially for time-sensitive, high-value, or regulated cargo. With major air cargo flows linked to textiles and apparel, sports goods, surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and e-commerce shipments, Pakistan relies on predictable capacity and efficient customs processes.

Air freight from/to Pakistan is commonly used when speed, reliability, and tight delivery windows matter. Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (the higher of actual vs. volumetric weight). You can estimate costs using the Air Freight Calculator, validate shipment dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator, and check lane-specific lead times using the Transit Time Calculator. Before booking, confirm responsibilities and cost splits using Incoterms.

Standard documentation usually includes an Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. Certain regulated categories may require additional permits or clearances depending on product type and direction of shipment. If cargo is restricted (for example batteries, aerosols, chemicals, or regulated pharma), it may require classification under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), review the Beginner’s Guide to IATA Regulations before tendering cargo.

iContainers lets you compare routes, book air freight online, and manage documentation in one place, helping you ship to and from Pakistan faster, with transparent pricing and expert customs support.

Get an Air Freight Quote from/to Pakistan

Instant Online Rates

Get real-time quotes for air freight shipments to and from Pakistan 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 (use our Air Freight Shipping Documents checklist if you’re missing anything).
4. Confirm and pay securely online.

Customs Clearance and Tracking Support

We support air freight customs clearance in Pakistan and destination countries. From customs processes to product-dependent compliance documentation for regulated categories, 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. You also get end-to-end shipment tracking for complete visibility.

Air Freight Services from/to Pakistan

Shipping Large Cargo and Pallets (LCL by Air)

Pakistan’s exports often involve palletized or specialized shipments, such as:

• Textiles and apparel from Faisalabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
• Leather goods and footwear from Sialkot.
• Sports equipment (football, cricket gear) from Sialkot.
• Surgical instruments and medical devices from Punjab.
• Fresh mangoes, kinnow (citrus), and rice from Sindh and Punjab.

Air Express

If your shipment to/from Pakistan requires urgent delivery, our air express service is ideal for small parcels, documents, and time-critical shipments with priority handling via hubs like Karachi (KHI), Lahore (LHE), and Islamabad (ISB). For heavier cargo and pallets, standard air freight typically offers better cost efficiency, see Air Freight vs Air Express to choose the right service by size, urgency, and customs complexity.

Typical Transit Times for Air Freight Pakistan 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.

• Karachi (KHI) → Dubai: <24 hours
• Lahore (LHE) → London: ~3–4 business days
• Islamabad (ISB) → Frankfurt: ~3–5 business days
• Karachi (KHI) → Singapore: ~2–3 business days
• Lahore (LHE) → New York: 5–7 business days

Main Airports in Pakistan for Air Freight

• Jinnah International Airport (KHI, Karachi): Pakistan’s busiest cargo hub, handling textiles, leather, and perishables.
• Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE, Lahore): Major hub for textiles, apparel, and fresh produce.
• Islamabad International Airport (ISB): Serves pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishables.
• Sialkot International Airport (SKT): Specialized in sports goods, surgical instruments, and leather exports.
• Faisalabad International Airport (LYP): Focused on textile exports from Pakistan’s “Manchester of Asia.”

Air Freight Costs from/to Pakistan

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. Textiles, sports goods, and surgical instruments often benefit from fast airport handling, while regulated products can trigger additional checks and documentation that affect total pricing.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Pakistan’s export calendar affects costs:

• Mango season (May–August): High demand for cold-chain shipments.
• Kinnow/citrus exports (Dec–Feb): Seasonal demand spikes.
• Ramadan & Eid: Increased volumes of textiles and food products.
• Year-end holidays (Nov–Dec): Global surcharges apply.

Customs Duties, Surcharges, and Local Fees

In addition to freight charges, shipments may include:

• Import/export duties and taxes set by FBR (Pakistan Customs).
• Quarantine inspection fees (Plant Protection Department).
• Handling/security charges at airports.
• Fuel surcharges.

Documentation & Packaging Requirements

Documents Checklist for Air Freight from/to Pakistan

Always required (most shipments):

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

Often required (product-dependent):

• Import/export declarations and local customs documentation
• Certificates of origin (trade agreement–based or buyer requested)
• Permits/licenses for regulated categories (where applicable)
• ISPM-15 compliance for wooden packaging and pallets (where applicable)
• IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR) documentation for restricted cargo (when applicable)

For a full overview of documents commonly required for air shipments, see Air Freight Shipping Documents.

Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice

Every shipment requires:

• Air Waybill (AWB): Transport contract with the airline.
• Commercial Invoice: Required for customs clearance.
• Packing List: Detailed contents of shipment.

Packaging Standards for Palletized Cargo

• ISPM-15 certified pallets for compliance.
• Refrigerated/insulated packaging for mangoes, kinnows, and perishables.
• Shrink-wrap/strapping with clear labeling for customs checks.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Pakistan follows IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo, along with national customs rules and product-specific controls. Restrictions are often product-dependent, so cargo classification and documentation should be confirmed before booking.

• Prohibited (examples):Explosives, narcotics, undeclared dangerous goods.




• Restricted / may require additional checks (examples):

  • Batteries, aerosols, chemicals: may require DGR classification and airline acceptance under IATA rules.
  
  
  • Pharmaceuticals and medical categories: may require permits or additional compliance documentation depending on product type.
  • Sensitive or controlled items: may require additional customs declarations and clearance depending on category and destination.