China Air Cargo Transport to Nepal Airport

Which airports in China provide international cargo air services to Nepal airports?

Airports in China that provide international cargo air services to Nepal include Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU, Sichuan Province), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN, Guangdong Province), Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG, Yunnan Province), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG, Shanghai), Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK, Beijing), Lhasa Gongga International Airport (LXA, Tibet Autonomous Region), and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), mainly relying on airlines such as China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines to operate direct or stopover routes, such as China Southern Airlines CZ8081 (Guangzhou → Kathmandu, 2 flights per week), China Eastern Airlines MU7157 (Shanghai → Kathmandu, 4 flights per week), covering high-efficiency and bulk cargo such as electronic products, industrial materials, and specialty agricultural products; Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX), Ningbo Quercus Airports such as NGB connect the cross-border logistics needs of South China and East China through hubs such as Chengdu, Shanghai, or Chennai.

Which airlines offer cargo services from China to Nepal airport?

China to Nepal cargo services are mainly provided by China Southern Airlines (CZ8081 Guangzhou → Kathmandu, 2 flights per week), China Eastern Airlines (MU757 Kunming → Kathmandu, 3 flights per week), Sri Lanka Airlines (via Chennai/Colombo), Himalaya Airlines (Lhasa → Kathmandu, 2 flights per week), Dragonair (KA104 Hong Kong direct flight, 5 flights per week) and other airlines, covering direct and transit modes, transporting electronic products, high-efficiency goods and bulk materials; Sichuan Airlines (via Chengdu transit), Qatar Airlines (via Doha), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) and other airlines supplement regional demand through hub intermodal transportation, covering the East China, South China and North China markets, Nepal Airlines (RA720 via Lhasa) and Tibet Airlines (TV6017). Highland belly cabin focuses on the transportation of characteristic agricultural products and emergency supplies.

China Southern Airlines (CZ): China Southern Airlines operates scheduled cargo flights from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Kathmandu (KTM), with a route of CZ8081 (Guangzhou → Kathmandu), two flights per week (Wednesday and Sunday), covering the export demand of high-efficiency goods such as electronic products in southern China through mixed transportation of passenger belly cabins and all-cargo aircraft.

China Eastern Airlines (MU): China Eastern Airlines operates a mixed passenger and cargo route (MU757/758, 3 flights per week, Boeing 737-800) from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) to Kathmandu, taking into account both high-efficiency cargo and general cargo. At the same time, its Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) transit network is transferred to Kathmandu (UL867/UL402, 5 flights per week) via Sri Lanka Airlines (UL) via Chennai (DMK), India, with a transportation time of 2-3 days, suitable for cargo such as mechanical parts and precision instruments.

Sri Lanka Airlines (UL/SL): As a transit hub operator, Sri Lanka Airlines provides cargo services (SL867, 3 flights per week) from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) via Chennai (DMK) to Kathmandu, with a transportation time of 3-4 days, and can accept palletized goods. At Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), its UL867 flight is transferred to Kathmandu via Colombo (CMB), with 5 flights per week, focusing on serving the export of electronic products in East China.

Himalaya Airlines (H9): Based on Lhasa Gongga International Airport (LXA), Himalaya Airlines provides passenger charter belly cargo services (H9774/H9773, 2 flights per week) from Lhasa to Kathmandu, transporting plateau specialty products and emergency supplies. Although the newly opened Lhasa to Pokhara route (H9731/H9732) in March 2025 is mainly for passenger transportation, it plans to expand cargo charter flights in the future to further strengthen the logistics connection between Tibet and Nepal.

Dragonair (KA): Dragonair operates direct mixed passenger and cargo routes (KA104/KA103, 5 flights per week, Airbus A330) from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Kathmandu, with fewer cargo restrictions and suitable for high value-added goods. The transfer network covers hubs such as Bangkok (BKK) and New Delhi (DEL), with over 30 flights per week and a transportation time of 1-3 days, meeting the needs of bulk cargo and high efficiency.

Sichuan Airlines (3U): Sichuan Airlines provides cargo services (3U3901/3902, 4 flights per week) from Chengdu to Kathmandu at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), connecting goods from the central and western regions of China, with a transportation time of 3-4 days. In addition, its direct passenger and cargo mixed flight from Chengdu to Kathmandu (3U8699) operates 3 times per week, which can handle bulk cargo and small pallets.

Qatar Airlines (QR): Qatar Airlines transports bulk cargo via Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) via Doha (DOH), with 7 wide-body freighters per week, suitable for overweight and oversized goods such as machinery and building materials, with a transportation time of 3-4 days. Its Doha hub can connect goods from Europe, the Middle East and other places, forming a global logistics network.

Singapore Airlines (SQ): Singapore Airlines provides cargo services (SQ801/SQ408, 5 flights per week) to Kathmandu via Singapore (SIN) at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), with a transportation time of 3-4 days, focusing on high value-added goods in North China. Its Singapore hub can connect with supply chains in South East Asia, Australia and other places.

Thai Airways (TG): Thai Airways operates cargo services from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Kathmandu via Bangkok (BKK) (TG629/TG309, 3 flights per week), with a transportation time of 2-3 days, suitable for bulk goods such as textiles and daily necessities in southern China. Its Bangkok hub can connect the logistics network of the Indochina Peninsula and South Asia.

Nepal Airlines (RA): As the only state-owned airline in Nepal, Nepal Airlines uses Chinese-made Y-12E and Xinzhou 60 aircraft to fly domestic routes and participate in international cargo. Its cargo route RA720 (stopping in Lhasa → Kathmandu) operates twice a week (Thursday and Saturday), using the belly hold of the aircraft to transport general cargo. The airline also supports logistics in remote areas, such as material transportation at Lukala Airport, through Chinese-made aircraft.

Tibet Airlines (TV): With the support of Lhasa Gongga International Airport (LXA), Tibet Airlines has launched a high-altitude characteristic cargo service. Its flight TV6017 (Lhasa → Kathmandu) operates three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday), transporting agricultural products and emergency supplies through the belly of the aircraft. In the future, it plans to cooperate with Himalaya Airlines to expand its cargo charter business.

How long does it take for Chinese air cargo to arrive at Nepal airport?

The fastest time for air cargo from China to Nepal airport is 2-3 days, and the slowest may exceed 7 days, depending on the mode of transportation, customs clearance efficiency, and special circumstances. Direct flights are the fastest choice. For example, China Southern Airlines flight CZ8081 from Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) to Kathmandu (KTM) only takes 4.5 hours, with a total time of 1-2 days; China Eastern Airlines flight MU757 from Kunming Changshui (KMG) to Kathmandu takes 3 hours, with a total time of 1-2 days. Transit transportation requires an additional 6-24 hours of connection time. For example, transferring from Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) to Kathmandu via Chennai (DMK) in India takes a total of 3-4 days; transferring from Beijing Capital (PEK) to Singapore (SIN) takes 4-5 days. Customs clearance is a crucial step. Ordinary goods usually take 1-2 days to complete, but missing documents or special goods (such as medical apparatus, chemicals) may take up to 3-5 days. Holidays (such as Nepal Desai Festival or Chinese New Year) and peak seasons (October to April of the following year) may cause customs clearance delays of 1-3 days, and flight space is tight. Special goods such as dangerous goods need to be declared for an additional 2-3 days, and cold chain transportation requires special equipment and transit time may be extended. Through freight forwarding, the process can be optimized, such as pre-clearance reducing the time to 2-4 hours, and charter flights guarantee same-day delivery of fresh food. Overall, direct flights and fast customs clearance can achieve delivery in 2-3 days, while transit and customs clearance delays may result in a delivery time of more than 7 days.

1. Direct flights

Direct flights are the fastest mode of transportation, and the time is mainly determined by the flight duration and ground operations (pickup, security check, etc.).

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) → Kathmandu (KTM): Southern Airlines flight CZ8081, flight time about 4.5 hours, total travel time 1-2 days.

Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) → Kathmandu (KTM): Eastern Airlines flight MU757, flight time is about 3 hours, total travel time is 1-2 days.

2. Interconnecting flights

Transfer transportation requires additional waiting for connecting flights, and the transfer time varies depending on the airport and flight density.

Transit time: usually takes 6-8 hours (such as Shanghai Pudong → Chennai → Kathmandu); if the flight connection is not compact, it may be extended to 12-24 hours.

Total time: direct flight time + transit time + ground operation.

Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) → Chennai (DMK) → Kathmandu (KTM) (Sri Lanka Airlines SL867): Total time 3-4 days.

Beijing Capital (PEK) → Singapore (SIN) → Kathmandu (KTM) (Singapore Airlines SQ801/SQ408): Total time 4-5 days.

3. Customs clearance time

Customs clearance is a key link that affects the overall timeliness, and complete documents need to be prepared in advance.

General cargo: usually takes 1-2 days (with complete documents).

Special goods (such as medical apparatus, chemicals): may be extended to 3-5 days (additional inspection or permission is required).

Common problems: Missing invoices, HS coding errors, etc. can cause customs clearance delays.

4. Special circumstances

Holidays/peak season (such as Nepal travel season, Chinese Spring Festival): customs clearance may be delayed by 1-3 days, flight seats are tight.

Special goods: Dangerous goods (such as lithium batteries), need to be declared in advance, and the transportation period will increase by 2-3 days. Cold chain goods (such as drugs) require special equipment, and the transit time may be extended.

5. Freight forwarding services

Pre-customs clearance: submit documents in advance, customs clearance shortened to 2-4 hours.

Charter direct flight: Avoid the restrictions of the aircraft belly compartment to ensure that fresh food arrives on the same day.

Door-to-door service: from the Chinese factory to the Singapore warehouse, the whole process takes 3-4 days, including pickup, customs clearance, and delivery.

Summary

Fastest situation: direct flight (1-2 days) + fast customs clearance (1 day) = 2-3 days

The slowest case: transit (4-5 days) + customs clearance delay (3 days) = 7 days or more

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

China's air cargo charter flights to Nepal are mainly concentrated in hub cities such as Chengdu, Lhasa, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Tianjin, covering the two major airports of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Sichuan Airlines (3U)operates regular charter flights from Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) to Pokhara (PKR) every Tuesday, with a single cargo capacity of 15 tons, transporting high value-added goods and tourism materials, with a time limit of 1-2 days; Himalaya Airlines (H9) operates round-trip flights between Lhasa Gongga (LXA) and Pokhara (PKR) every Monday and Tuesday, using Airbus A319C to transport Tibetan medicine and handicrafts, with a time limit of 1.5-2 days. China Eastern Airlines (MU) regularly charters flights from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Kathmandu (KTM), relying on the "Express Delivery" service to ensure the transportation of electronic products, with a single flight of 20 tons; China Southern Airlines (CZ) transports cross-border e-commerce goods between Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) and Kathmandu (KTM) every Friday, using A330-200F all-cargo aircraft, with a single flight of 60 tons. Changlong Airlines (GJ) regularly charters flights from Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) to Kathmandu (KTM), integrating 3C products and clothing from the Yangtze River Delta, with a single flight of 18 tons; China International Cargo Airlines (CA) operates flights from Tianjin Binhai (TSN) to Pokhara (PKR) every Saturday, using A330-200F to transport North China textiles, with a single flight of 60 tons. Overall, the transportation time for direct flights is concentrated in 1-3 days, while transit or irregular charter flights require 3-5 days. Some routes further optimize the time through pre-clearance and temperature control technology.

Airline cargo charter details

Sichuan Airlines (3U): Departing from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), flight numbers are 3U3736/3U3737, with a frequency of one round trip every Tuesday, and the flight segment is Chengdu → Pokhara (TFU-PKR). Since its opening in March 2025, this route has mainly served the business and tourism needs of the China-Nepal Tourism Year, taking into account the transportation of high value-added goods, with a single cargo capacity of about 15 tons and a transportation time of 1-2 days.

Himalaya Airlines (H9): Departing from Lhasa Gongga International Airport (LXA), flight numbers are H9731/H9732, with a frequency of outbound on Mondays and return on Tuesdays, and the flight segment is Lhasa → Pokhara (LXA-PKR). This route uses Airbus A319C aircraft, with a single cargo capacity of about 12 tons, focusing on transporting high-altitude characteristic products such as Tibetan medicine and handicrafts, with a transportation time of 1.5-2 days.

China Eastern Airlines (MU): Departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), charter flights from time to time to Kathmandu (KTM), the flight segment is Shanghai → Kathmandu (PVG-KTM). This route uses the "express delivery" service of Eastern Airlines Logistics, prioritizing the transportation of electronic products and precision instruments, with a single cargo capacity of about 20 tons and a transportation time of 2-3 days.

China Southern Airlines (CZ): Added scheduled charter flights from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Kathmandu (KTM), flight numbers are CZ8083/CZ8084, with a frequency of one round-trip flight every Friday, and the flight segment is Guangzhou → Kathmandu (CAN-KTM). The route uses Airbus A330-200F all-cargo aircraft, with a single cargo capacity of 60 tons, focusing on serving cross-border e-commerce in southern China, and the transportation time is 2-3 days.

Changlong Airlines (GJ): Charter flights from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to Kathmandu (KTM) from Hangzhou to Kathmandu (HGH-KTM). The service relies on the industrial advantages of Hangzhou Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Test Zone, with a single cargo capacity of about 18 tons and a transportation time of 2-3 days.

China International Cargo Airlines (CA): New scheduled charter flight from Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Pokhara (PKR), flight number is CA1234/CA1235, the frequency is one round trip every Saturday, the flight segment is Tianjin → Pokhara (TSN-PKR), the single cargo capacity is 60 tons, the focus is on serving cross-border e-commerce and textile exports in North China, and the transportation time is 2-3 days.

Introduction to Freight Line

Chengdu (TFU) - Pokhara (PKR): Sichuan Airlines launched this scheduled charter flight route on March 18, 2025, with round-trip flights every Tuesday. Relying on Chengdu's advantage as a southwest logistics hub, this special line integrates electronic products, machinery and other goods from Sichuan and surrounding provinces, with a single cargo capacity of 15 tons and a transportation time of 1-2 days. For example, an electronic company in Chengdu exported mobile phone accessories to Nepal through this route, and it only took 36 hours from the factory to Pokhara for customs clearance.

Lhasa (LXA) - Pokhara (PKR): Himalaya Airlines launched this international route on March 31, 2025, with outbound flights on Mondays and return flights on Tuesdays every week. The special line focuses on plateau specialty products, such as saffron and yak meat, and takes advantage of the 1.5-hour flight from Lhasa to Pokhara to achieve "same-day delivery" cold chain transportation. For example, a Tibetan pharmaceutical company exported Tibetan medicine to Nepal through this route, which was directly delivered to local hospitals after customs clearance.

Shanghai (PVG) - Kathmandu (KTM): China Eastern Airlines' irregular charter flight route connects the supply chain from Shanghai to Europe and the Middle East. The special line focuses on transporting bulk goods such as industrial materials and automotive parts, with a single cargo capacity of 20 tons, and the whole process is tracked through the "Cross-border Pass" platform of China Eastern Logistics. For example, a Shanghai car manufacturer exported engine parts to Nepal through this route, and they were delivered to the customer's warehouse within 3 days after customs clearance.

Guangzhou (CAN) - Kathmandu (KTM): China Southern Airlines regularly charters flights, with round-trip flights every Friday. This special line focuses on the export of 3C products and small household appliances in the Pearl River Delta region, with a single cargo capacity of 60 tons. The entire process is tracked through the "Cross-border Pass" platform of China Southern Airlines Logistics, and the transportation time is 2-3 days.

Hangzhou (HGH) - Kathmandu (KTM): Changlong Air's irregular charter flights integrate 3C products, clothing and other goods from Hangzhou and the Yangtze River Delta region, with a single cargo capacity of 18 tons, and achieve full tracking through the "Cross-border Pass" platform.

Tianjin (TSN) - Pokhara (PKR): China International Cargo Airlines regularly charters flights, with round-trip flights every Saturday. This special line integrates goods such as clothing and home textiles from North China, with a single cargo capacity of 60 tons. It takes advantage of Tianjin Port's cargo collection advantages to reduce transportation costs, and the transportation time is 2-3 days.

How much is the air freight price from China to Nepal airport per kilogram?

The price of air freight from China to Nepal airport varies depending on the route, cargo volume, and additional services. Referring to data from April 2025, Sichuan Airlines (3U) charter flight route from Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) to Pokhara (PKR) costs 35 yuan/kg for 100kg +, and the larger the cargo volume, the lower the unit price, with 1000kg + reduced to 26 yuan/kg. Himalaya Airlines (H9) route from LXA to Pokhara (PKR) costs 26 yuan/kg for 100kg +, and as low as 21 yuan/kg for 1000kg +, suitable for transporting high-altitude specialty products. If cold chain services are required, an additional 5-8 yuan/kg is required. The China International Cargo (CA)special line from Tianjin Binhai (TSN) to Pokhara (PKR) costs 32 yuan/kg for 100kg +, and can be reduced to 23 yuan/kg for 1000kg +. However, during the peak tourist season in Nepal (October to April of the following year), the prices of some routes may increase by 15% -20%, and the prices of popular hub airports may also increase by 10% -15% before and after the Chinese New Year. In addition, the customs clearance fee at Kathmandu Airport (KTM) is about 5-8 yuan/kg, and the customs clearance fee at Pokhara Airport (PKR) is 3-5 yuan/kg. The fuel surcharge accounts for 10% -15% of the basic freight rate, and the specific price needs to be subject to real-time quotation.

Price changes and market trends

Seasonal fluctuations: Nepal's peak tourist season (October to April of the following year) has a price increase of 15% -20%, especially for the Pokhara route (such as Tianjin → Pokhara, the price for 100kg + may increase to 38 yuan/kg).

Around the Chinese New Year (January-February), the demand for charter flights at hub airports such as Hangzhou and Guangzhou surges, and prices may rise by 10% -15%.

Type of goods impact: Cold chain goods (such as Yunnan flowers, Tibetan medicine): additional temperature control costs need to be paid, and the price will increase by 5-8 yuan/kg (such as Lhasa → Pokhara cold chain transportation, 100kg + price is about 45 yuan/kg).

Dangerous goods (such as lithium batteries, chemicals): need to choose airlines with IATA qualifications (such as China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines), the price increases by 3-5 yuan/kg, and the transportation period is extended by 1-2 days.

Customs Clearance and Surcharges: The customs clearance fee at Kathmandu Airport (KTM) is about 5-8 yuan/kg, while the customs clearance efficiency at Pokhara Airport (PKR) is relatively high, costing about 3-5 yuan/kg.

Fuel surcharge: about 10% -15% of the base freight rate, and the fluctuation of fuel prices in April 2025 may lead to an overall cost increase of 5% -8%.