Air Freight from China to Iran

Air freight is one of the main ways to ship goods from China to Iran. It offers fast transit and keeps your shipment secure.

World Green Line International Transport Company provides dependable air freight from China to Iran, backed by managers with more than 20 years of experience in this field. As an established air freight provider, we build our work on trust and customer satisfaction, and believe customers should receive accurate advice before making a shipping decision.

World Green Line currently works with airports throughout China and with airlines that can carry air freight from China. We can handle everything from the smallest postal parcel to the largest shipments that require an aircraft charter.

World Green Line is an official Mahan Air agent and one of the agencies that issues a high volume of air waybills in Iran. This reflects customer satisfaction and the service we provide.

For an air freight quote from China to Iran, contact us or fill out the freight quote form. Our sales team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Alongside our air freight services from China to Iran, this guide covers technical points for traders and managers and gives readers who are new to the subject the background they need. If you have comments after reading, share them at the bottom of the page.

Table of Contents

Request an Air Freight Quote from China

Request an air freight quote from China at any time of day. Enter your shipment details and our sales team will respond as quickly as possible during working hours.

World Green Line uses digital channels to make requesting an air freight quote from China easier, save you time and offer a 3% discount for placing your order online.

If you have trouble using the air freight quote form, contact our support team.

The Air Freight Process from China to Iran

1. Preparation

Choose a freight company: Select an international transport company or freight forwarder that offers air freight from China.
Calculate volumetric weight: Use the formula (length × width × height) ÷ 6,000. Freight charges are based on whichever is higher: actual or volumetric weight.
Provide shipment details: Give your chosen freight company the actual weight, volumetric weight, nature and dimensions of the goods, and any handling requirements.
Choose a service: For air freight from China to Iran, choose courier, single AWB or consolidated AWB based on your goods and priorities.

2. Collection and packing

Collect the shipment: Goods are collected from the shipper’s factory, warehouse or supplier in China. Depending on the service, the goods go directly to the airport or to the freight company’s warehouse. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing and Ningbo are major air freight centres.
Pack the shipment: Pack the goods safely to international airworthiness standards to protect them in transit. Sensitive goods need suitable packaging such as impact-resistant boxes or thermal insulation.

3. Transport to the departure airport

Transport the goods: Once the documents and shipment are ready, the cargo is sent to a major Chinese airport such as Shanghai Pudong or Shenzhen Bao’an.
Inspect the goods: Before loading, the shipment undergoes X-ray security screening and customs checks. Origin customs also reviews magnet inspection, dangerous goods and branded cargo requirements.

4. Issue the air waybill (AWB)

Single AWB: Used for large, independent shipments sent directly, with a master air waybill (MAWB) and a house air waybill (HAWB).
Consolidated AWB: Issued for small shipments combined with other consignments.
Courier waybill: Postal logistics companies provide this internal waybill for small, light and urgent shipments.

5. Select the flight

Direct flights: Some flights go directly from China to Iran. The service takes five to seven working days.
Connecting flights: When direct air freight is unavailable, the shipment may travel via hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Bangkok. The service takes seven to fifteen working days.

6. Customs clearance

Unload the cargo: On arrival at Imam Khomeini Airport, the airline’s handling agent unloads the cargo at a public warehouse and arranges the warehouse receipt and delivery order.
Complete customs formalities: Freight forwarders often offer customs brokerage. Provide documents such as the invoice, packing list and waybill, and pay customs charges and import duties. Certain goods may require special permits, such as standards or health approvals.

7. Delivery to the destination

Deliver to the final destination: At the customer’s request, where the forwarder handles customs clearance, the shipment is cleared or delivered door to door to the consignee’s warehouse.

What Air Freight Options Are Available from China to Iran?

Feature	Single AWB	Consolidated AWB	Courier
Cost	High	Moderate	Moderate
Delivery time	Fastest option	Slowest option	Moderate speed
Shipment size and weight	Suited to large shipments	Suited to small, light shipments	Suited to small, urgent packages
Tracking	Through the airline's website	More complex, depending on the service provider	Through the postal company
Customs handling	Handled by the shipper and consignee	Clearance handled by the customer	Handled by the courier company
Main use	Large commercial shipments	Small consolidated shipments	Documents, gifts or commercial samples

Air freight from China to Iran uses three main services: single AWB, consolidated AWB and courier. Choose according to the type and volume of your cargo, delivery speed and cost. Each option is explained below.

Single air waybill (MAWB/HAWB)

Once you approve the rate, World Green Line sends your goods from China to Iran under a separate waybill, to Imam Khomeini International Airport as required. No other customer’s cargo travels under that waybill, and in China it applies only to your seller’s customs declaration. When should you use it?

If you must present documents to a bank, use a single waybill. Its sections can record banking details and the seller and buyer’s contract references, including the P.O. and invoice or packing-list numbers, transit and handling clauses, and instructions for perishable or dangerous goods.
If your cargo is dangerous, perishable or valuable under IATA rules, or consists of AOG parts, human remains or live animals that cannot travel by courier or consolidation, use a single MAWB/HAWB.

A single MAWB/HAWB can speed up shipping because the cargo does not need to be consolidated at origin or separated at destination. It also avoids your package being switched with another customer’s goods on the same manifest.

One disadvantage is the relatively higher cost for shipments above 150 kg compared with consolidated services.

Consolidated AWB and courier

World Green Line consolidates shipments at origin according to the volume received at its shared warehouses and then sends them to Iran. We work with Iranian and international freight forwarders and international postal services. Benefits include:

Your shipment is not held at origin while waiting for an export batch to reach a minimum size.
Consolidating goods bound for Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) can significantly reduce your costs. Local postal services reduce extra expenses for dedicated export declarations and pre-carriage. A heavier export batch also qualifies for the 1,000+ kg weight rate, lowering freight charges.
If your goods qualify for the expedited clearance channel under Imam Khomeini Airport customs rules, postal shipping can shorten clearance time and reduce its cost.
If your consignment does not have a Chinese export licence, the source states that postal shipping does not require an export certificate.

This service takes longer than air freight under a single waybill, and consolidation offers less benefit for heavier shipments.

How Much Does Air Freight from China to Iran Cost?

The cost depends on several factors and varies by shipment. Here are the main factors:

Shipment weight and volume

Air freight is normally priced using actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher.

Type of goods

Special cargo such as dangerous goods, electronics and high-value items can cost more to ship by air. Some goods require specialist packaging or transport, which increases the cost.

Distance and flight route

The distance from the city of origin, such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou or Shanghai, to Tehran and the number of stops affect the price. Some routes are cheaper, especially where more direct flights are available.

Type of freight service

Choose a service according to the shipment: single AWB is faster and more expensive, consolidation is slower and more economical, and courier is fastest for small, light cargo.

Shipment volume

Large or bulky goods may attract higher freight rates.

Shipping speed

Express shipping is faster and more expensive. Standard shipping is slower and cheaper.

Additional charges

Fuel surcharges, insurance and customs fees increase the cost of shipping by air from China.

Packaging

Suitable packaging prevents unnecessary weight and volume and can lower freight charges.

Choice of airline

Airlines set their own rates, so the choice of carrier affects the cost.

How Are Air Freight Charges from China to Iran Calculated?

Air freight uses two measures of shipment weight: actual weight and volumetric weight.

Actual weight is the physical weight shown on a scale, regardless of size. If a package of metal goods weighs 20 kg on the scale, its actual weight is 20 kg.

Volumetric weight uses a formula to account for the space a shipment occupies in the aircraft. Because aircraft space is limited and expensive, carriers use volumetric weight to price bulky, lightweight cargo.

Volumetric weight formula for postal freight

(Length × width × height in centimetres) ÷ 5,000

Postal carriers typically use 5,000 as the divisor so that bulky, lightweight goods attract a higher charge.

Volumetric weight formula for air cargo

(Length × width × height in centimetres) ÷ 6,000

Commercial air cargo and freight providers usually use 6,000 to price larger, bulky and non-urgent shipments.

Which weight determines the freight charge?

After measuring actual weight and calculating volumetric weight, the carrier bases the freight charge on the higher figure.

Worked Example: Shipping a Carton by Air from China to Iran

Suppose you want to send a carton of household goods from Shenzhen to Tehran. It weighs 30 kg on a scale and measures 60 × 50 × 80 cm.

Calculate the volumetric weight:

(60 × 50 × 80) ÷ 6,000 = 40 kg

Compare actual and volumetric weight:

Because the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight, the chargeable weight for the shipment is 40 kg.

Calculate the air freight charge:

If the average air freight rate from China to Iran is USD 5 per kilogram:

40 × 5 = USD 200

Practical tip:

For clothing, shoes, plastic parts and other bulky but light goods, volumetric weight is often higher than actual weight. Bear this in mind when asking for a quote.

Air Freight Volumetric Weight Calculator

Length (cm): Width (cm): Height (cm): Actual weight (kg):

How Much Does Air Freight from China to Iran Cost per Kilogram?

Air Freight Rates from China to Iran per Kilogram, Aban 1405 (October–November 2026)
Shipment weight	Cost per kilogram (USD)	Notes
Lower weights (under 1,000 kg)	USD 10	Smaller shipments cost more per kilogram.
Higher weights (over 1,000 kg)	USD 7.80	Larger shipments cost less per kilogram.

The rate per kilogram varies with the city of origin in China, the amount of cargo and the purchase terms. Heavier shipments generally cost less per kilogram.

For lower weights the air freight rate from China to Iran is about USD 10 per kilogram. For shipments over 1,000 kg it is about USD 7.80 per kilogram.

These approximate rates are from Aban 1405 (October–November 2026). Final rates depend on available capacity, exchange rates and border conditions. Request a quote for current pricing.

How Can You Reduce Air Freight Costs from China to Iran?

Choose suitable trade terms (FOB or EXW):

In addition to international air freight, allow for pickup and collection from the seller in China and local airport charges in China.

The source recommends buying from Chinese suppliers on the terms it describes as FOB as a way to reduce air freight costs.

Under the arrangement described in the source as FOB (Free On Board), the seller pays for domestic transport, packing and delivery to the departure airport. Under EXW (Ex Works), the buyer pays all costs from origin to destination.

The arrangement described as FOB can reduce your share to the international freight cost. With EXW, you may also pay additional costs such as domestic transport in China.

Use suitable packaging:

Bulky packaging and unnecessary packing material increase the weight and volume used to calculate freight charges. Ask the shipper or supplier in China to reduce the packaging size where possible.

Strong, lightweight materials such as multilayer cardboard can reduce weight and freight costs compared with wood or metal.

Consolidate shipments:

Your goods travel with other customers’ cargo in one air shipment and the freight cost is shared. Some freight companies have consolidation facilities in China, and this service can reduce your air freight costs.

Compare airline rates:

Airlines charge different rates for shipments from China. Comparing rates and choosing a lower-cost, reputable carrier such as China Southern Airlines can reduce your costs.

Ship outside peak periods:

Demand and rates are usually lower after Christmas and Chinese New Year. During busy periods such as September to December, air freight rates rise as Christmas approaches. The timing of your flight affects both transit speed and cost.

World Green Line International Transport Company can help you plan when to send your air shipment from China to Iran.

Work with reputable freight companies:

World Green Line International Transport Company offers volume discounts or special payment terms to regular customers and customers with large shipments.

Consider connecting flights:

Direct flights usually cost more. If your schedule allows, consider cheaper connecting services via hubs in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Türkiye or Qatar.

Ship through major Chinese airports:

Busy airports such as Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN) and Shenzhen (SZX) usually offer more competitive rates because they handle more flights. Shipping through smaller airports can cost more.

Match the insurance cover to the value of the cargo:

You can choose basic insurance for lower-value goods. Comprehensive cover may increase the cost of air freight from China.

Which Airlines Carry Air Freight from China to Iran?

As airline operations in Iran have declined in recent years, carriers that still operate there have raised their rates. These airlines have not added flights to balance inbound and outbound capacity, and dedicated freighter flights have not been added to their schedules.

Over the past decade, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Thai Airways, Oman Air, Pegasus, Etihad Airways, Aeroflot and Gulf Air handled air shipments from China to Iran. Iran Air also served Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad in more recent years. The source lists Qatar Airways, Mahan Air and China Southern as the current direct-service providers.

CHINA SOUTHERN

MAHAN AIR

QATAR AIRWAYS

Which Chinese Airports Handle Air Freight to Iran?

Starting in northern China, this section introduces each airport serving air freight to Iran and covers local charges and per-kilogram rates for air cargo and courier. The introductory figures were compiled in summer 1404 (2025). Rates can change daily with fuel, security costs and airline rules.

Air Freight from Beijing to Iran

Beijing has three major airports. This section focuses on Beijing Capital International Airport. Its IATA airport code is PEK. The source also refers to BJS, which you may see in older waybills or business correspondence.

The airport opened in 1958, about 20 km north of Beijing, and expanded in 1999 and 2004. The Chinese aviation portal reported freight volumes of 1,416,000 tonnes in 2007, 2,074,000 in 2018 and 1,115,000 in 2023. If the seller’s warehouse is near Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Henan or as far as Shandong, consider shipping from Beijing to keep domestic transport economical for both parties. Local charges in China depend on your original agreement with the seller.

Which Airlines Fly from Beijing to Iran?

The table below lists airlines flying from Beijing for air freight from China to Iran. It was compiled in Aban 1405 (October–November 2026). Flight schedules can change from week to week.

Airline	Flight days from Beijing to Iran
Mahan Air	Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Iran Air formerly flew from this airport, but the service stopped several years ago.

During peak season, some Chinese forwarders offer indirect services without a fixed flight schedule or clear transit time.

How Much Does Air Freight from Beijing to Tehran Cost?

The table below shows rates from Beijing to Tehran for air cargo under a single air waybill (MAWB/HAWB).

Beijing to Tehran air cargo rates under a single waybill (MAWB/HAWB), Aban 1405 (October–November 2026)
Airline / weight break	45 kg	100 kg	300 kg	500 kg
Mahan Air	USD 12	USD 8.90	USD 8.70	USD 8.40

How Long Does Air Freight from Beijing to Tehran Take?

Time for local handling (EXW):

For example, driving from Tianjin to Beijing airport takes about two to three hours. Moving the goods from the seller to the airline usually takes two days because the origin forwarder first collects shipments from several customers at its warehouse and then sends them all to the airport in another truck. Exceptions include a shipment large enough to skip pre-carriage or a dedicated truck requested by the buyer and seller where the customs formalities allow it.

Air freight transit time from Beijing to Tehran:

After airline handover, transit takes one day with Mahan Air and China Southern and three days with Qatar Airways. Poor weather and a loadmaster’s decision to offload a shipment can affect those times. Allow about one working week from pickup in Beijing to arrival at Imam Khomeini Airport, provided the shipper prepares documents on time and the airline can allocate space when the cargo is ready.

Air Freight from Shanghai to Iran

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) lies 30 km east of Shanghai near the Yellow Sea coast. Its first flight took place in October 1999, making it the newer of Shanghai’s two airports at the time. The source ranks it behind Hong Kong and Memphis for traffic and identifies it as a major hub for UPS, DHL and FedEx. More than 44 airlines handle commercial and postal cargo there, with fewer than five international airlines serving Iran. Chinese aviation statistics show freight volume rising from 2,599,000 tonnes in 2007 to 3,892,000 tonnes in 2021.

If the seller’s warehouse is in or near Nanjing, Ningbo, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Hefei, Wenzhou or Fuzhou, consider shipping from Pudong.

Which Airlines Fly from Shanghai to Iran?

The following airlines fly from Shanghai to Iran for air freight services from China:

Airline	Flight days from Shanghai to Iran
Mahan Air	Saturdays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Chinese freight forwarders also offer indirect air services via Bali, Bangkok and Dubai. These take longer than direct flights and are unsuitable if the goods must reach Iran urgently.

How Much Does Air Freight from Shanghai to Tehran Cost?

The tables below show Shanghai to Tehran rates for air cargo under a single waybill and consolidated courier or postal services for small shipments.

Shanghai to Tehran air cargo rates under a single waybill (MAWB/HAWB), Aban 1405 (October–November 2026)
Airline / weight break	45 kg	100 kg	300 kg	500 kg
Mahan Air	USD 10	USD 9	USD 7.50	USD 6

Shanghai to Tehran courier or postal rates, Aban 1405 (October–November 2026)
Airline / weight break	20–45 kg	45–100 kg
WGL Consol System	USD 12	USD 10

How Long Does Air Freight from Shanghai to Tehran Take?

Time for local handling (EXW):

For example, driving from Ningbo to Shanghai airport takes about three to four hours. Moving the goods from the seller to the airline usually takes at least two days because the origin forwarder first collects shipments at its warehouse and then sends them all to the airport in another truck. Exceptions include a shipment large enough to skip pre-carriage or a dedicated truck requested by the buyer and seller where the customs formalities allow it.

Air freight transit time from Shanghai to Tehran:

After airline handover, transit takes one day with Mahan Air and China Southern and three days with Qatar Airways. Poor weather and a loadmaster’s decision to offload cargo can affect these times. Allow about one working week from pickup in Shanghai to arrival at Imam Khomeini Airport if the shipper prepares the documents on time and the airline can allocate space when the cargo is ready.

Air Freight from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Iran

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), known by its airport code among Iranian traders and freight companies, is north of Guangzhou and the largest of Guangdong’s nine major airports. The original airport opened in 1932. A larger airport with the same name opened in Huadu in 2004 and the original airport closed. The source ranks it eighth globally for passenger traffic and identifies it as one of UPS’s largest hubs. More than 40 airlines carry commercial and postal cargo from Guangzhou, with fewer than four international airlines currently carrying freight to Iran. Chinese aviation statistics show cargo rising from 506,000 tonnes in 2004 to 2,044,000 tonnes in 2021, about 1,890,000 tonnes less than Shanghai Pudong in the source comparison.

If the seller’s warehouse is near Zhongshan, Guangzhou, Foshan, Xiamen, Zhuhai or Shenzhen, consider using Guangzhou unless documentation issues require the cargo to leave via Hong Kong. Iran-bound shipments formerly left from both Guangzhou and Shenzhen (SZX), Guangdong’s two best-known airports. Most have left from Guangzhou in recent years.

Which Airlines Fly from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Iran?

The following airlines flew from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Iran for air freight as of Aban 1405 (October–November 2026):

Airline	Flight days from Guangzhou to Iran
Mahan Air	Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Airline	Flight days from Shenzhen to Iran
Mahan Air	Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays
Saha Airlines	Varies

How Much Does Air Freight from Shenzhen to Tehran Cost?

The table below shows Shenzhen to Tehran rates for air cargo under a single air waybill (MAWB/HAWB).

Shenzhen to Tehran air cargo rates under a single waybill (MAWB/HAWB), Aban 1405 (October–November 2026)
Airline / weight break	45 kg	100 kg	300 kg	500 kg
Mahan Air	USD 11	USD 8.80	USD 8.50	USD 8.30

How Much Does Air Freight from Guangzhou to Tehran Cost?

The tables below show Guangzhou to Tehran rates for air cargo under a single waybill and consolidated courier or postal services for small shipments.

Guangzhou to Tehran air cargo rates under a single waybill (MAWB/HAWB), Aban 1405 (October–November 2026)
Airline / weight break	45 kg	100 kg	300 kg	500 kg
Mahan Air	USD 11	USD 8.90	USD 8.70	USD 8.40

Guangzhou to Tehran courier or postal rates, Aban 1405 (October–November 2026)
Airline / weight break	20–45 kg	45–100 kg
WGL Consol System	USD 15	USD 10

How Long Does Air Freight from Guangzhou to Tehran Take?

Time for local handling (EXW):

For example, driving from Xiamen to Guangzhou airport takes about six to eight hours. Moving the goods from the seller to the airline usually takes at least two days because the origin forwarder first collects shipments at its warehouse and then sends them all to the airport in another truck. Exceptions include a shipment large enough to skip pre-carriage or a dedicated truck requested by the buyer and seller where the customs formalities allow it.

Air freight transit time from Guangzhou to Tehran:

After airline handover, transit takes one day with Mahan Air and China Southern and three days with Qatar Airways. Poor weather and a loadmaster’s decision to offload cargo can affect those times. Allow about one working week from pickup in Guangzhou to arrival at Imam Khomeini Airport if the shipper prepares the documents on time and the airline can allocate space when the cargo is ready.

Air Freight from China to Iran with World Green Line International Transport Company

For fast, economical and secure air freight from China to Iran, choose a reputable provider. World Green Line International Transport Company offers air freight services from cities throughout China to Iran and works to deliver your goods quickly and carefully.

From specialist advice to door-to-door delivery, we support you throughout the shipment so you can ship with confidence.

Call 021 86030397 or 021 86030308 today to request a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Freight from China to Iran

What Determines the Cost of Air Freight?

Air freight charges depend on volumetric and actual weight, the distance between the Chinese and Iranian airports, the type of cargo, the insurance selected and other factors.

What Documents Are Required to Ship by Air from China to Iran?

The documents for air freight from China to Iran include the certificate of origin, packing list and pro forma invoice for the imported goods.

What Are the Minimum and Maximum Air Freight Weights?

The source gives 45 kg as a typical minimum. The maximum depends on the aircraft. On commercial flights, each package usually must weigh no more than 150 kg and must fit the airline’s length and size limits.

Can Consolidated Cargo Be Shipped by Air from China?

Yes. Small shipments can be combined with other cargo to reduce costs. This is economical for small businesses and low-volume shipments, although transit takes longer.

How Can I Protect My Air Freight Shipment?

Pack your goods to the required standard using wooden or plastic crates. Insure the cargo against potential damage and use a reputable carrier that can provide assurances about the shipment.

Which Chinese Airports Ship Air Freight to Iran?

The right airport depends on the supplier’s location and flight type. Major options include Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN).

What Types of Flights Are Available for Air Freight?

There are three types: direct flights, which are faster and more expensive; connecting flights, which cost less and take longer; and charter flights, which can be economical for large and bulky shipments.

Why Can Volumetric Weight Matter More Than Actual Weight?

Airlines price freight based on the aircraft space a shipment occupies. A bulky, light package can take up more room than a smaller, heavier one.

How Can I Track My Air Freight Shipment from China?

Use the air waybill number to track your cargo on the freight company’s or airline’s website. Freight companies usually provide updates on departure, stops and delivery.

What Documents Are Needed for Customs Clearance?

Customs clearance requires the invoice, packing list, air waybill and, when required, a certificate of origin.

What Information Goes on a Packing List?

A packing list includes the countries of loading and unloading; the buyer’s and seller’s names and addresses; the letter of credit number; the pro forma invoice number and date; net and gross weights; payment method; quantities; and a description of the goods and packages. Prepare these details accurately to avoid problems with air freight from China.