The most complete information on air freight from China to Romania in 2026

Multiple airports in China provide air transportation services to Romania. Each airport has its own advantages, and airlines vary in terms of timeliness and price. The transportation timeliness is affected by multiple factors, and charter services are also available.

Airport for air freight service from China to Romania

Air cargo services from China to Romania involve major international cargo airports in China and major cargo airports in Romania. Here is the key information:
Major freight airports in China

Romania's main cargo airport

OTP is recommended as a priority: Unless the destination of the goods is clearly in the northwest (CLJ) or west (TSR), the Bucharest OTP airport should be given priority, as the overall cost is lower.
Customs clearance time: OTP usually takes 1-2 days, CLJ/TSR may take 2-3 days.

Airlines for air cargo services from China to Romania

Time required for air cargo from China to Romanian airports

The time usually required to air freight goods from China to Romanian airports is as follows:

Fastest delivery time: Under ideal conditions, some goods can arrive within 3-5 days.
Average transit time: Most shipments are delivered within 3 - 7 days.
Slowest delivery time: During peak seasons or in special circumstances (such as customs clearance delays, flight schedule changes, etc.), the delivery time may be extended to more than 7 days.

Volume and weight: Smaller and lighter items are shipped faster.
Departure and destination airports: Depart from major airports in China (such as Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport) and arrive at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) or Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) in Romania. The transportation time is usually 3-7 days.
Customs clearance time: The customs clearance speed varies according to the customs policy of Romania and the type of goods, usually taking 1-3 days.
Flight schedule: non-stop flights are more time-efficient, while connecting flights may increase the transit time.
Shipping time of specific airlines

China air freight charter flights to Romania airport

The following is the relevant information about the charter flights for freight from China to Romania:
Applicable scenarios for charter freight flights: Bulk cargo, single batch of goods exceeding 50 tons (requiring full freighter transportation), avoiding the queuing of commercial flights, direct or rapid transit. Special cargo: Oversized equipment, dangerous goods, live animals and other goods that cannot be carried by commercial flights.
Recommended charter airlines and aircraft models

1. Direct flight route (air traffic rights need to be applied for in advance)
Route: Zhengzhou (CGO) → Bucharest (OTP)
Aircraft type: B777F (payload 100 tons)
Timeliness: 12 hours of flight + 1 day of customs clearance, 2-3 days in total.
Application: High value or time sensitive goods (e.g. pharmaceuticals, automotive parts).
2. Stopover/transfer flights (more flexible)
Option 1: Shanghai (PVG) → Istanbul (IST) → OTP
Airline: Turkish Cargo Airlines
Timeliness: PVG → IST (10h) + transfer 2h → OTP (2h), the whole journey takes 3 - 4 days.
Option 2: Hong Kong (HKG) → Leipzig (LEJ) → OTP
Airline: Polar Airlines
Transit time: HKG → LEJ (12h) + truck transfer 8h → OTP, 4 - 5 days in total (suitable for oversize cargo).

Requirement confirmation: cargo details (weight/volume/type), departure and arrival airports, and expected delivery time.
Air rights application: The Chinese agent coordinates the approval of the Civil Aviation Administration. Romania needs to apply for landing permission 3-5 working days in advance.
Aircraft model matching: Select the aircraft model according to the cargo size (e.g. AN-124 for over-width cargo).

Documents to be provided: Airway Bill (MAWB), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Special Goods Permit (e.g. for dangerous goods).
Customs clearance acceleration: entrust a local customs clearance agent in Romania in advance, and priority inspection can be arranged at OTP Airport.
Insurance: It is recommended to purchase the whole - course cargo transportation insurance (insurance amount ≥ 120% of the cargo value).

Reference price for air freight from China to Romania airport

The air freight price from China to Romania is affected by many factors, including  the type of goods, weight/volume, route, airline, transit time, season , etc. Different airlines have different pricing.

Additional charges include:fuel surcharge, security/handling fee, customs clearance fee, special cargo surcharge.

Cargo type:  The price of general cargo is the lowest, and the price of dangerous goods / temperature - controlled goods increases by 30% - 50%.
Seasonal fluctuations:Peak season (October - December): Prices increase by 20% - 30% (e.g. due to a surge in e-commerce goods before Christmas). Off-peak season (January - March): Prices decrease by 10% - 15%.
Airport selection:OTP (Bucharest): Lowest price (high flight frequency, high competition).
TSR/CLJ:Terminal transfer fee (about ¥2-5/kg) will be charged.
The following is the reference price for air freight from major Chinese airports to Romanian airports in June 2026 (in US dollars):