Chinese Air Cargo Transportation to Maldives Airport

Which airports in China offer international cargo air services to Maldives Airport?

The main airports in China that provide international cargo air services to Maldives include Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG), Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO), and Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY). These airports cover Maldives' cargo needs through direct or transit routes, such as Guangzhou Southern Airlines (CZ6097 flies directly to Male every Thursday and Sunday), Shanghai Eastern Airlines (MU7157 flies 5 times a week), Maldives Airlines (MV389 plans to add direct flights in 2025), Beijing Hainan Airlines (HU7949 charter), Xiamen Airlines (MF889/90 flights three times a week), etc., providing passenger belly and full cargo services, covering electronic products, cold chain seafood, photovoltaic equipment, cross-border e-commerce small packages, etc., and relying on transit hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok to expand the capacity of large and special goods, while combining the characteristics of each airport such as Shenzhen dangerous goods special line, Zhengzhou bonded stocking mode, Kunming China-Laos railway air-rail intermodal transportation, etc., forming a diversified cross-border logistics solution.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): As the largest cargo hub in South China, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located in Huadu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. The annual cargo throughput of 4F facilities exceeds 2 million tons. China Southern Airlines (CZ) flies CZ6097 (Guangzhou → Male, direct flights every Thursday and Sunday), carrying belly cargo of passenger aircraft, supporting the transportation of light and small items such as electronic products and textiles; the transit network is connected through Dubai (UAE Airlines) and Singapore (Singapore Airlines), supporting special cargo such as cold chain seafood and photovoltaic equipment.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): The world's second largest cargo airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located in Pudong New Area, with an annual cargo throughput of over 3.77 million tons and a 4F-level facility dedicated to cross-border e-commerce channels. China Eastern Airlines (MU) MU7157 (Shanghai → Male, 5 flights per week) transports high-efficiency cargo in the belly compartment of the aircraft; Maldives Airlines (MV) added MV389 (Shanghai → Male, direct flights every Sunday) in 2025, and Airbus A330 operates. The transit hub is connected through Cathay Pacific (CX) and UAE Airlines (EK) via Hong Kong and Dubai, and the entire cargo aircraft capacity covers large equipment. The cold chain green channel supports Maldives to import seafood, with a weekly transportation volume of about 2-3 tons.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): The core cargo node in North China, Beijing Capital International Airport is located in Shunyi District, with an annual cargo throughput of over 3 million tons of 4F-level facilities. Hainan Airlines (HU) once performed the HU7949 (Beijing → Male) charter mission, transporting travel team supplies, one flight per week; the transit network supports engineering equipment transportation through Air China (CA) via Frankfurt, Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) via Bangkok. The Capital Airport Customs "7x24 hours" clearance service is suitable for high-value goods.

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): South China Airlines Cargo Hub, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is located in Bao'an District, with an annual cargo throughput of over 1.50 million tons. China Southern Airlines (CZ) and Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) carry belly cargo on daily flights, with a time limit of 6-8 hours; freight forwarder Xinlong Datong provides a "Shenzhen-Male" special line, supporting the transportation of dangerous goods such as batteries and energy storage equipment, with a time limit of 20-30 days. Transit via Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, using Middle East Airlines wide-body cargo planes to reduce costs.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN): An important aviation port along the southeast coast, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is located in Huli District, with an annual cargo throughput of over 300,000 tons of 4E-level facilities. Xiamen Airlines (MF) operates MF889/90 (Xiamen → Male, three flights per week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays), with a direct flight of 8 hours, supporting high value-added goods. The transit network provides "one ticket to the end" service through Sri Lanka Airlines (UL). Xiamen Free Trade Zone policy supports cross-border e-commerce small package transportation.

Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG): A gateway hub for South Asia and South East Asia, Kunming Changshui International Airport is located in Guandu District, with an annual cargo throughput of over 400,000 tons of 4F facilities. China Eastern Airlines (MU) operates MU543 (Kunming → Male, direct flights every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday), carrying Yunnan specialties such as flowers and Pu'er tea; freight forwarder Yunqi International undertakes the transportation of photovoltaic equipment and construction machinery through charter flights or transit through Bangkok. The China-Laos railway connection supports cross-border logistics of "air-rail intermodal transportation".

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): The western air cargo hub, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is located in Shuangliu District, with an annual cargo throughput of over 700,000 tons of 4F facilities. Sichuan Airlines (3U) operates 3U8693 (Chengdu → Bangkok → Male), stopping in Bangkok every Wednesday, with a total of 8 hours and 20 minutes, supporting electronic product transit; the transit network covers large equipment through UAE Airlines (EK) via Dubai, Qatar Airlines (QR) via Doha transit. Chengdu Customs' "Green Channel for Fresh and Perishable Goods" supports the transportation of salmon and tropical fruits.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG): The new western land-sea corridor node, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is located in Yubei District, with an annual cargo throughput of over 400,000 tons of 4F facilities. Chongqing Airlines (OQ) operates OQ2389 (Chongqing → Colombo → Male, three flights per week, 1/3/5), with stops in Sri Lanka, supporting the transportation of automotive parts; charter services have transported photovoltaic modules to the Maldives island project. Chongqing Free Trade Zone's "cross-border e-commerce + aviation logistics" pilot reduces customs clearance costs.

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO): The core node of cross-border e-commerce in the airport area, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport is located in Xinzheng City, with an annual cargo throughput of over 700,000 tons of 4F-level facilities. Hainan Airlines (HU) operates HU7949 (Zhengzhou → Male), chartering flights every Saturday to transport travel team materials and supporting equipment. The full cargo aircraft transit is supported by SF Express Airlines (O3) through the cross-border e-commerce special line of Shenzhen and Zhengzhou Airport Area, supporting the transportation of 3C products. The "1210 bonded stocking" mode in Zhengzhou Airport Area reduces logistics costs.

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): A gateway hub for Central and South Asia, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is located in Weicheng District, with an annual cargo throughput of over 400,000 tons of 4F facilities. Maldives Airlines (MV) operates MV389 (Xi'an → Male, direct flights every Sunday), supporting textiles and machinery equipment; the transit network covers photovoltaic modules and agricultural products through China Eastern Airlines (MU) via Kunming and Sichuan Airlines (3U) via Bangkok.

Which airlines offer cargo services from China to Maldives Airport?

Airlines that provide cargo services from China to Maldives airport include China Southern Airlines (CZ), China Eastern Airlines (MU), Xiamen Airlines (MF), Hainan Airlines (HU), Sichuan Airlines (3U), Chongqing Airlines (OQ), and Maldives Airlines (MV). China Southern Airlines (CZ6097 direct flight from Guangzhou), China Eastern Airlines (MU7157 direct flight from Shanghai), and Xiamen Airlines (MF889/90 direct flight from Xiamen) respectively transport light and small cargo or high value-added products in the belly of their aircraft. Hainan Airlines transports tourist goods and 3C products through charter flights from Beijing and Zhengzhou. Sichuan Airlines (3U8693 Chengdu via Bangkok) and Chongqing Airlines (OQ2389 Chongqing via Colombo) rely on transit routes to cover electronic equipment and automotive parts.

China Southern Airlines (CZ): Based on the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) hub, China Southern Airlines operates the CZ6097 (Guangzhou → Male) direct cargo route, which operates every Thursday and Sunday, using the belly of the aircraft to transport light and small goods such as electronic products and textiles. The route supports the transportation of special goods such as cold chain seafood and photovoltaic equipment through the transit network of Dubai (UAE Airlines) and Singapore (Singapore Airlines), with an overall time of about 6-8 hours.

China Eastern Airlines (MU): With Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) as its core hub, China Eastern Airlines has opened a direct MU7157 (Shanghai → Male) cargo route, with 5 flights per week, carrying high-efficiency cargo. In addition, Maldives Airlines (MV) added a direct MV389 (Shanghai → Male) route in 2025, which operates every Sunday and supports the transportation of large equipment. The transit network is connected through Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) via Hong Kong, UAE Airlines (EK) via Dubai, and the entire cargo aircraft capacity covers bulk cargo such as engineering equipment.

Xiamen Airlines (MF): Xiamen Airlines operates the MF889/90 (Xiamen → Male) direct flight route from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), with three flights per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), flying Boeing 787 aircraft and transporting high value-added goods. The route adopts a "two-week cycle" frequency arrangement (Tuesday, Saturday of the first week, Thursday of the second week), with a flight time of about 8 hours. The transfer service is connected through Sri Lanka Airlines (UL) via Colombo, providing "one ticket to the end" service and supporting cross-border e-commerce small package transportation.

Hainan Airlines (HU): Hainan Airlines provides charter cargo services through Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO). HU7949 (Beijing → Male) operates once a week, transporting travel group supplies; HU7949 (Zhengzhou → Male) operates every Saturday, carrying travel supporting equipment and 3C products.

Sichuan Airlines (3U): Based at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), Sichuan Airlines operates the 3U8693 (Chengdu → Bangkok → Male) stopover route, which runs every Wednesday and lasts for 8 hours and 20 minutes, supporting the transfer of electronic products. The transfer network is connected through UAE Airlines (EK) via Dubai, Qatar Airlines (QR) via Doha, covering the transportation of large equipment. Chengdu Customs' "Green Channel for Fresh and Perishable Goods" guarantees the cold chain transportation of salmon, tropical fruits and other items.

Chongqing Airlines (OQ): Chongqing Airlines departs from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) and operates the OQ2389 (Chongqing → Colombo → Male) stopover route, with three flights per week (1/3/5), using the A320neo model to transport automotive parts. The route has undertaken the Maldives island photovoltaic module project, the Chongqing Free Trade Zone's "cross-border e-commerce + aviation logistics" pilot reduces customs clearance costs, and transits through Colombo to improve capacity flexibility.

Maldives Airlines (MV): As the national airline of Maldives, Maldives Airlines will add the MV389 (Xi'an → Male) direct flight route in 2025, which operates every Sunday and transports textiles and machinery. In addition, its MV389 route from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Male also flies directly every Sunday. The transfer service is connected through China Eastern Airlines (MU) via Kunming and Sichuan Airlines (3U) via Bangkok, covering bulk cargo such as photovoltaic modules.

How long does it take for Chinese air cargo to arrive at Maldives Airport?

The delivery time of Chinese air cargo to Maldives Airport is significantly affected by the route, customs clearance, and special circumstances. The fastest transportation can be completed within 2 days (direct flights + fast customs clearance), and the slowest may take more than 7 days (connecting flights + Ramadan customs clearance delay). The flight time of direct flights is 6-8 hours. For example, China Southern Airlines CZ6097 from Guangzhou (CAN) to Male operates every Thursday and Sunday, and China Eastern Airlines MU7157 from Shanghai (PVG) to Male operates 5 times a week. The connecting flights need to connect with hubs such as Bangkok and Colombo, and the overall delivery time is extended by 12-36 hours. For example, Chongqing Airlines OQ2389, which transits through Colombo, operates three times a week. In terms of customs clearance, it usually takes 1-3 days for ordinary goods, while fresh cold chain goods can be cleared within 1.5 hours through the "green channel". After the China-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement takes effect, eligible goods can be shortened by 0.5-1 days. In addition, Ramadan (end of March to early April 2025) and the peak tourist season may cause customs clearance delays of 2-3 days, and dangerous and perishable goods require additional processing time. Professional freight forwarders can shorten the time by optimizing transit connections and applying for green channels, such as reducing the average clearance time by 1-2 days for door-to-door services.

Time limit for direct flights

Multiple hub airports in China provide direct cargo services to Maldives, and the flight time varies depending on the departure city.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) : Southern Airlines CZ6097 direct flight to Male, the flight time is about 6-8 hours, every Thursday and Sunday, carrying electronic products, textiles and other light and small goods.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) : China Eastern Airlines MU7157 direct flight to Male, flight time is about 8 hours and 35 minutes, 5 flights per week, support efficient cargo transportation; Maldives Airlines MV389 direct flight every Sunday, using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, transport large equipment.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) : Xiamen Airlines MF889 direct flight to Male, the flight time is about 7 hours, three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), transporting high value-added goods.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) : Hainan Airlines HU7949 charter flight direct flight, flight time is about 7 hours and 45 minutes, one flight per week, transport tour group supplies.

Time limit for connecting flights

The transit route needs to be combined with the connection time of the transit airport. The overall time is usually extended by 12-36 hours compared to direct flights.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) : Sichuan Airlines 3U8693 via Bangkok transit, the whole journey is about 8 hours and 20 minutes (including transit time), executed every Wednesday, supporting electronic product transit.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) : Chongqing Airlines OQ2389 via Colombo transit, three times a week (1/3/5), transport auto parts, transit time about 4-6 hours.

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) : Maldives Airlines MV389 via Kunming or Bangkok transit, every Sunday, transport textiles, machinery and equipment, transit time about 6-8 hours.

Customs clearance time

The customs clearance efficiency of Maldives is affected by the type of goods and the completeness of documents.

General cargo : normal customs clearance takes 1-3 days, if the documents are complete and there is no inspection, it can be shortened to 1 day; if it involves sensitive goods (such as batteries, chemicals), it may be extended to 5-7 days.

Fresh cold chain : Fast customs clearance within 1.5 hours can be achieved through the "green channel" (such as the customs clearance of fresh durian and other fresh products at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport).

Free Trade Agreement Preferential : After the China-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement comes into effect in 2025, eligible goods can enjoy tariff reductions, simplify customs clearance processes, and shorten the average 0.5-1 days.

Impact of special circumstances

Holidays and peak season : During the Maldives peak season (November-April) and Ramadan, there is a surge in customs processing and clearance may be delayed by 2-3 days.

Special cargo : Dangerous goods (such as batteries, energy storage equipment) need an additional 1-2 days for safety approval; perishable goods (flowers, seafood) need to be cleared within 6 hours after the arrival of the flight, otherwise it may affect the quality.

Freight forwarding services

Professional freight forwarders can optimize transportation efficiency.

Door-to-door service : such as Yunjing International Logistics and Guangzhou Wanhan Freight provide "booking-customs declaration-delivery" one-stop service, which shortens the customs clearance time by 1-2 days on average.

Transit optimization : Through the coordination of transit flights through the agency company, the transit time can be compressed from 24 hours to less than 8 hours.

Cold chain guarantee : For fresh goods, the agent company can apply for a "green channel" to ensure customs clearance within 1.5 hours.

Summary

The fastest delivery time: direct flights + fast customs clearance, transportation can be completed within 2 days.

The slowest delivery time: connecting flight + Ramadan customs clearance delay, may take more than 7 days.

What are the cargo charter flights from China to Maldives Airport?

Cargo charter flights from China to Maldives Male International Airport (MLE) are mainly operated by multiple airlines, covering multiple domestic hub cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xiamen, Chongqing, Xi'an, and Zhengzhou, providing direct and transfer services. Specific routes include: CA1001 of China International Cargo Airlines (CA) flies directly from Beijing (PEK) to Male every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, focusing on the transportation of precision instruments and electronic products; CZ6097 of China Southern Airlines (CZ) flies directly from Guangzhou (CAN) every Thursday and Sunday, supporting textiles and cross-border e-commerce small packages; MV389 (Shanghai Pudong PVG) and MV391 (Xi'an XIY) of Maldives Airlines (MV) fly directly from Xiamen (XMN) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, focusing on 3C products and daily necessities; OQ2389 of Chongqing Airlines (OQ) flies through Colombo every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, focusing on fresh cold chain; HU7949 of Hainan Airlines (HU) flies from Zhengzhou every Saturday (CGO) Direct flights transport tourism supplies and photovoltaic equipment. These routes meet the transportation needs of high value-added goods, cross-border e-commerce, and infrastructure materials through full cargo aircraft, passenger aircraft belly cabins, and temperature control technology. Some routes also rely on free trade zone policies to optimize customs clearance efficiency.

Airline information

Air China Cargo (CA): From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), flight number CA1001, frequency, weekly 1/3/5, segment PEK-MLE (non-stop).

China Southern Airlines (CZ): Departing from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), flight number is CZ6097, frequency is, 4/day per week, segment is CAN-MLE (direct flight).

Maldives Airlines (MV): Departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), flight number MV389, frequency is every Sunday, segment is PVG-MLE (direct flight). Departing from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), flight number is MV391, frequency is every Sunday, segment is XEY-MLE (direct flight).

Xiamen Airlines (MF): Departing from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), flight number MF889, frequency is 2/4/6 per week, segment is XMN-MLE (direct flight).

Chongqing Airlines (OQ): Departing from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG), flight number OQ2389, frequency is 1/3/5 per week, segment is CKG-CMB-MLE (via Colombo).

Hainan Airlines (HU): Departing from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO), flight number is HU7949, frequency is, every Saturday, segment is CGO-MLE (direct flight).

Cargo route introduction

Beijing (PEK) - Male (MLE): China International Cargo Airlines (CA) operates the CA1001 all-cargo aircraft special line, which flies every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It is the only all-cargo aircraft route in North China that flies directly to Male. The route uses Boeing 747-8F freighters (with a load capacity of 100 tons), which mainly transport precision instruments and electronic products. Equipped with temperature control system to support medical cold chain, Beijing Customs clears customs "7x24 hours" buzz, and ordinary goods can be cleared within 1 day.

Guangzhou (CAN) - Male (MLE): China Southern Airlines (CZ) CZ6097 special line operates every Thursday and Sunday, relying on the Guangzhou hub to provide bulk cargo grouping services, supporting the transportation of textiles and cross-border e-commerce small packages. The belly compartment of the aircraft has a load capacity of 35 tons, and the flight time is 6-8 hours. Linked with the "Cross-border E-commerce 9710 Model" in the Guangzhou Free Trade Zone, the single ticket exemption amount has increased to 5000 yuan, and the customs clearance efficiency has increased by 30% compared with the traditional process.

Xiamen (XMN) - Male (MLE): Xiamen Airlines (MF) MF889 special line flies directly every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It is the only direct cargo route from the southeast coast to Male. It uses the belly compartment of Boeing 787-8 aircraft (with a load capacity of 30 tons), focuses on the transportation of 3C products and daily necessities, enjoys the "bonded stocking" policy of Xiamen Free Trade Zone, and goods can be stored in the airport bonded warehouse in advance. The customs clearance time is compressed to 12 hours, and the transportation volume will increase by 50% year-on-year in 2025.

Chongqing (CKG) - Male (MLE): Chongqing Airlines (OQ) OQ2389 cold chain special line passes through Colombo every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It uses a Boeing 737-800BCF modified cargo aircraft (with a load capacity of 20 tons), equipped with temperature-controlled containers ranging from -18 ℃ to + 15 ℃, mainly for the transportation of fresh food and vaccines. The transit time is 4-6 hours. It cooperates with the Maldives Fisheries Department to establish a "fresh direct supply channel". Customs clearance and distribution will be completed within 6 hours after arrival. The "48-hour limited time delivery" service is launched, and 50% of the freight will be compensated for overtime.

Xi'an (XIY) - Male (MLE): Maldives Airlines (MV) MV391 special line flies directly every Sunday, focusing on the transportation of photovoltaic modules and mechanical equipment. Through the "air-rail intermodal" connection with the China-Europe freight train, the overall time from Xi'an to Male is compressed to 3 days. Using Airbus A330-200 cargo aircraft (with a load capacity of 45 tons) to support the "Belt and Road Initiative" infrastructure project materials, the transportation volume is expected to increase by 60% by 2025.

Zhengzhou (CGO) - Male (MLE) Hainan Airlines (HU) HU7949 special line flies directly every Saturday, relying on the "1210 bonded stocking" mode of Zhengzhou Airport Area to transport tourism materials and photovoltaic components, using Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft (with a load capacity of 50 tons). Cross-border e-commerce goods can enjoy zero tariffs, and the customs clearance time is 1 day faster than ordinary goods. In 2024, 80 tons of photovoltaic equipment were transported to the Maldives island project in a single trip.

How much is the air freight price from China to Maldives Airport per kilogram?

The air freight price from China to Maldives Male International Airport varies depending on the route, airline, and cargo weight. The price range for general cargo over 100 kilograms is 17-30 yuan/kg. The price for China International Cargo (CA) special line from Beijing (PEK) to Male is 25 yuan/kg for 100kg +, and as low as 18 yuan/kg for 1000kg +. The price for direct flights such as Guangzhou (CAN), Southern Airlines (CZ), Xiamen (XMN), Xiamen Airlines (MF), Zhengzhou (CGO), and Hainan Airlines (HU) decreases with increasing weight. For example, the price for Zhengzhou Hainan Airlines 1000kg + is only 17 yuan/kg. The price for the cold chain special line (Chongqing Airlines OQ) via transit in Chongqing (CKG) is higher, at 30 yuan/kg for 100kg +. The price is affected by the type of goods (sensitive goods with a 30% -50% increase), timeliness (direct flight is fast but expensive, transit is slow but cheap), and peak and off-peak seasons (peak season increases by 10% -20%). It is recommended to consult the airline or freight forwarder in advance to obtain real-time quotes based on the characteristics of the goods.

Price Fluctuation Factors

Type of goods :

General cargo : such as daily necessities, textiles, price reference table;

Sensitive goods : such as cosmetics and medicines, need to be transported through specific freight forwarders, and the price may rise by 30% -50% (such as Shenzhen Henghui International Freight Forwarding quoted 50 yuan/kg).

Cold chain/dangerous goods : Chongqing Airlines (OQ) cold chain special line price is higher (30-35 yuan/kg), need to declare in advance and pay temperature control surcharge.

Delivery time :

Direct flights : such as Xiamen Airlines MF889 (6-8 hours), the price is higher but the time is fast;

Transit : such as Chongqing Airlines OQ2389 (via Colombo, total time 48 hours), the price is lower but need to reserve transit time.

Seasons and policies :

Peak season (November - April of the following year) : prices may increase by 10% -20%, and cabins need to be booked 2-3 weeks in advance;

Free trade zone policy : Guangzhou, Xiamen, Zhengzhou and other places can enjoy customs clearance benefits, indirectly reducing comprehensive costs.