Chinese Air Cargo Transportation to Sri Lanka Airport

Which airports in China offer international cargo air services to Sri Lanka airports?

Airports in China that provide international cargo air services to Sri Lanka include Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG, Shanghai), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN, Guangdong Province), Hong Kong International Airport (HKG, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK, Beijing), Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX, Guangdong Province), Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU, Sichuan Province), Macau International Airport (MFM, Macao Special Administrative Region), Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE, Taiwan Province), and Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG, Jiangsu Province). Among them, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Hong Kong International Airports have direct cargo routes to Colombo. Airlines such as Sri Lanka Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Southern Airlines, and Cathay Pacific Airways operate regular flights here and can undertake high-efficiency goods such as e-commerce, fresh produce, and electronic accessories. Airports such as Beijing Capital, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Shuangliu, Macau, Taiwan Taoyuan, and Nanjing Lukou transit through South East Asia or Middle East hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai. Airlines such as Air China and China Airlines provide transit services to meet the transportation needs of different types of goods such as large equipment, bulk cargo, and precision instruments.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai. As the third largest cargo airport in the world, its 4F facilities and the West Cargo Area (including cold chain and dangerous goods dedicated processing facilities) support a high-density international cargo network. The UL887 flight of Sri Lanka Airlines (UL) (Shanghai → Colombo, operates every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) carries a load of 45 tons and can handle pallets and cold chain cargo. The whole journey only takes 1 day. China Eastern Airlines Cargo (MU) operates MU715 (Shanghai → Colombo), mainly carrying e-commerce cargo and high-end manufacturing accessories. In addition, there are abundant transfer options, such as China Southern Airlines (CZ) 's CZ3504 route via Guangzhou, which operates three times a week and is suitable for transporting large equipment; UAE Airlines (EK) 's EK307/EK658 route via Dubai, which operates seven times a week and can handle oversized cargo (≤ 10 tons per item). Pudong Airport's international transfer "exchange order" business supports efficient connection of cargo from different airlines, further enhancing transfer flexibility.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located in Huadu District, Guangzhou City. As one of the three major aviation hubs in China, its independent cargo terminal and cross-border e-commerce dedicated channel provide efficient services for the South China region. Sri Lanka Airlines (UL) flight UL881 (Guangzhou → Colombo, flying every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) has a load capacity of 40 tons, covering electronic accessories and fresh produce; Southern Airlines (CZ) flight CZ3505 flies every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, with a load capacity of 60 tons, mainly carrying e-commerce packages. In the transfer plan, Etihad Cargo Airways (EY) operates EY963 (Guangzhou → Abu Dhabi → Colombo, 3 flights per week), Thai Airways (TG) transits through Bangkok on the TG667/TG633 route 2 times a day, with a time limit of 2-3 days, suitable for bulk cargo transportation.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): Hong Kong International Airport is located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong and has the largest air cargo terminal in Asia (Super Terminal 1). Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) 's CX7103 flight (Hong Kong → Colombo, flying every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) carries a load of 60 tons and covers high value-added electronic products. In the transfer plan, UAE Airways (EK) operates 7 flights per week via Dubai on the EK383/EK658 route, which can handle pharmaceutical cold chain; Qatar Airways (QR) operates 5 flights per week via Doha on the QR815/QR663 route, which is suitable for chemical transportation. Hong Kong Airport's global network and efficient handling capabilities make it the preferred hub for high-efficiency cold chain cargo.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Beijing Capital International Airport is located in Shunyi District, Beijing. As one of China's three major international aviation hubs, its independent cargo apron and customs fast clearance channel ensure transit efficiency. China International Cargo (CA) CA1007 (Beijing → Colombo, about 2-3 flights per month), MY Airlines (MH) MH370/MH177 routes via Kuala Lumpur operate 7 times a week, with a time limit of 3-4 days.

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is located in Bao'an District, Shenzhen City. As an important cargo hub in South China, it is the SF Express aviation base airport. Its cargo services are mainly transit: SF Express Airlines (O3) has 5 flights per week via Kuala Lumpur on the O37065 route, covering cross-border e-commerce; Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has ET3734 (Shenzhen → Addis Ababa → Colombo, 2 flights per week), and AirAsia (AK) has 7 flights per week via Kuala Lumpur on the AK711/AK189 route, suitable for bulk cargo transportation. The international transit process optimization of Shenzhen Airport (such as the new transit channel launched by Shenzhen Airlines) further improves transit efficiency and shortens cargo processing time.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is located in Shuangliu District, Chengdu City. It is an aviation hub in central and western China, and its cross-border e-commerce dedicated cargo station supports diversified transportation needs. Sichuan Airlines (3U) transits 3U8701/3U8702 routes via Bangkok three times a week, suitable for automotive parts; Air China (CA) transits CA453/CA454 routes via Kunming two times a week, with a time limit of 4-5 days. Chengdu has transported fresh goods such as Sri Lanka green crabs through charter flights, demonstrating its cold chain transportation capabilities.

Macau International Airport (MFM): Macau International Airport is located on Taipa Island in Macau, and its cargo service relies on transit: Air Macau (NX) operates the NX990/NX991 route via Bangkok three times a week, suitable for small and high-value goods. Due to its weak cargo capacity, Macau Airport mainly serves as a supplementary hub to meet specific customer needs.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is located in Taoyuan City, Taiwan Province. It is the largest aviation hub in Taiwan and has the largest cargo apron in the world. China Airlines (CI) operates CI715 routes through Bangkok five times a week, covering semiconductor materials; EVA Air (BR) operates BR711 routes through Kuala Lumpur seven times a week, suitable for precision instruments. The transit network of Taoyuan Airport is closely integrated with the needs of Taiwan's electronics industry, supporting the transportation of high value-added goods.

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG): Nanjing Lukou International Airport is located in Jiangning District, Nanjing City. As an emerging cargo hub in the Yangtze River Delta, it has added multiple international cargo routes in recent years. The MU2821 route of China Eastern Airlines (MU) transits through Shanghai 7 times a week, which is suitable for cross-border e-commerce. The import qualification of edible aquatic animals (such as Sri Lanka crabs) at Nanjing Airport shows its cold chain processing capacity.

Which airlines offer cargo services from China to Sri Lanka Airport?

Airlines that provide cargo services from China to Colombo Airport in Sri Lanka cover both domestic and foreign airlines, combining direct flights and transfers: Sri Lanka Airlines flies directly from Shanghai and Guangzhou (4-5 flights per week), carrying high value-added goods; China Eastern Airlines flies directly from Shanghai (daily) and supports transfer in Nanjing, focusing on e-commerce goods; China Southern Airlines flies directly from Guangzhou (3 flights per week) and transfers in Shanghai, suitable for large and e-commerce packages; Cathay Pacific flies directly from Hong Kong (3 flights per week) and transfers through Doha, covering electronics and cold chain medicine; Air China transits through Chengdu (3 flights per week) to transport precision instruments; Sichuan Airlines transits through Bangkok (3 flights per week) to pick up auto parts; UAE Airlines transits through Dubai. 7 flights per week) can transport large items; Qatar Airlines supports chemical and cold chain services via Doha (5 flights per week); China Airlines and EVA Airlines respectively transit from Taoyuan, Taiwan via Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, focusing on semiconductors and precision instruments. Each airline relies on the hub to meet diverse transportation needs.

Sri Lanka Airlines (UL): As the national airline of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Airlines provides direct cargo services from China to Colombo. Its UL887 flight (Shanghai Pudong → Colombo) uses an Airbus A330-200F all-cargo aircraft, flying every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a load capacity of 45 tons, and can accept pallets and cold chain goods. The whole journey only takes 1 day. In addition, UL881 flight (Guangzhou Baiyun → Colombo, flying every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) uses an A330-300 all-cargo aircraft, with a load capacity of 40 tons, covering electronic parts and fresh food transportation. Sri Lanka Airlines' direct flight route is stable and suitable for high value-added cargo transportation.

China Eastern Airlines (MU): China Eastern Airlines Cargo relies on the Shanghai Pudong hub to operate flight MU231 (Shanghai Pudong → Colombo, daily flights), with a load capacity of 25 tons, and prioritizes e-commerce cargo. China Eastern Airlines also provides cargo solutions via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, MU2821/MU231 routes (Nanjing → Shanghai → Colombo, 7 flights per week), suitable for cross-border e-commerce bulk cargo.

China Southern Airlines (CZ): China Southern Airlines operates flight CZ3505 (Guangzhou → Colombo, flying every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday) at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, with a load capacity of 60 tons, mainly carrying e-commerce parcels and large equipment. In addition, flight CZ3504 (Shanghai → Guangzhou → Colombo) operates three times a week, with a transfer through Guangzhou. The second flight is D2.4.7, which can accept pallet cargo and takes 2-3 days. China Southern Airlines' full cargo aircraft has sufficient capacity and is suitable for large cargo transportation.

Cathay Pacific (CX): Cathay Pacific operates flight CX611 (Hong Kong → Colombo) from Hong Kong International Airport, flying every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, using a B777F all-cargo aircraft with a load capacity of 60 tons, covering high value-added electronic products. In the transfer plan, the CX9203/CX7103 route (Hong Kong → Doha → Colombo, 7 flights per week) can receive medical cold chain, with a time limit of 2-3 days. Cathay Pacific's Super Terminal 1 has strong processing capacity and is suitable for cold chain and precision instrument transportation.

Air China Cargo (CA): Air China Cargo operates CA1007 flights (Beijing → Colombo) based on Beijing Capital International Airport, with about 2-3 flights per month, mainly for charter missions. In the transfer plan, CA106/CA453 routes (Beijing → Chengdu → Colombo) operate 3 flights per week, suitable for precision instrument transportation, with a time limit of 3-4 days. Air China's independent cargo aircraft apron ensures transfer efficiency.

Sichuan Airlines (3U): Sichuan Airlines takes Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport as its hub and provides cargo services through transit solutions. The 3U8701/3U8702 routes (Chengdu → Bangkok → Colombo, 3 flights per week) use A330-300 passenger-to-cargo aircraft, suitable for transportation of automotive parts, with a delivery time of 4-5 days. Sichuan Airlines' cross-border e-commerce dedicated cargo station supports diversified cargo handling.

UAE Airlines (EK): UAE Airlines provides transit cargo services from China to Colombo. The EK307/EK658 route (Shanghai → Dubai → Colombo) runs 7 times a week, transiting through Dubai using the B777F all-cargo aircraft, which can handle oversized cargo (single piece ≤ 10 tons) and takes 3-4 days. The EK9877 flight (Shanghai → Dubai → Colombo, 7 times a week) can handle large cargo and pallet cargo, suitable for engineering machinery transportation. UAE Airlines' Dubai hub has the world's leading processing capacity and is suitable for complex cargo transit.

Qatar Airways (QR): Qatar Airways provides transit services through the Doha hub. The QR815/QR663 route (Hong Kong → Doha → Colombo) operates 5 times a week, and can connect chemical and pharmaceutical cold chains, with a time limit of 2-3 days. Qatar Airways' temperature-controlled cargo hold supports high-value cold chain cargo transportation.

China Airlines (CI): China Airlines provides transit cargo services to Colombo from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Its CI715 route (Taiwan Taoyuan → Bangkok → Colombo) operates 5 times a week, mainly covering semiconductor material transportation.

EVA Air (BR): EVA Air is also based at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, operating BR711/BR712 routes (Taiwan Taoyuan → Kuala Lumpur → Colombo), 7 flights per week, focusing on precision instrument transportation.

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

The time range for air cargo from China to Colombo Airport in Sri Lanka is from the fastest 2 days (direct flight + fast customs clearance) to the slowest 7 days or more (multiple transfers + peak season delays). Direct flights (such as Beijing PEK → Colombo CMB about 7 hours, Shanghai PVG → CMB about 7.5 hours, Guangzhou CAN → CMB about 6 hours) with pre-clearance service can complete transportation + customs clearance within 2 days; the total time for transfer plans (such as through hubs such as Kuala Lumpur and Dubai) is usually 3-5 days, but in extreme cases, it may be extended to more than 7 days due to multiple transfers or congestion at Colombo Port. Sri Lanka customs clearance generally takes 1-3 days, and special goods such as cold chain and dangerous goods require an additional 1-3 days for inspection. Holidays or policy adjustments may further delay. Freight forwarders can shorten the time by optimizing the transit path and submitting customs clearance documents in advance. It is recommended to choose direct or transit options based on the type of goods and timeliness requirements, and reserve buffer time during peak season.

Direct Flight Timeliness

Direct flight routes are the preferred choice for high efficiency needs, and the specific time depends on the geographical location of the departure airport and flight frequency. The one-way flight time is concentrated in 5-7 hours.

Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) → Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB): Direct flights take about 7 hours (such as Sri Lanka Airlines UL869).

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) → Colombo (CMB): Direct flight approximately 7.5 hours (Eastern Airlines MU231).

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) → Colombo (CMB): Direct flight approx. 6 hours (Sri Lanka Airlines UL883).

Additional Time for Connecting Flights

The transit plan is connected through hub airports and is suitable for non-direct flights to cities or special cargo transportation. Common transit points include Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Dubai (DXB), Bangkok (BKK), etc. The transit time is usually 6-24 hours.

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) → Dubai (DXB) → Colombo (CMB): UAE Airlines EK307 route operates 7 times a week, with a transit time of 12-24 hours, and can handle oversized cargo (single item ≤ 10 tons).

Nanjing Lukou (NKG) → Shanghai Pudong (PVG) → Colombo (CMB): Eastern Airlines MU2821 route operates 7 times a week with a transit time of about 8 hours, suitable for bulk cargo transportation.

Sri Lanka Customs Clearance Process Timeliness

Sri Lanka customs clearance is an important factor affecting the overall timeliness. General cargo clearance usually takes 1-3 days, but the following situations may extend to 5-7 days:

Document completeness: Commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc. are required. Missing documents may lead to detention.

Type of goods: Cold chain and dangerous goods require additional inspection. For example, imported tea requires 1-3 days for inspection, and imported cashews require 3-5 days for customs declaration.

Port congestion: Recently, due to container detention, the customs clearance time at Colombo Port has been extended to more than 7 days, and some goods need to pay high late fees.

Special Circumstances Impact

Holidays and peak season: During Sri Lanka's Independence Day (February 4) and Vesak Day (May), customs processing volume surges, and clearance may be extended by 1-2 days.

Special cargo: Cold chain transportation requires advance application for temperature-controlled cargo hold, and a health certificate is required for customs clearance. The total cycle will increase by 1-2 days. Dangerous goods need to submit MSDS documents, and some goods need to be filed with the Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Authority in advance. The customs clearance time will be extended by 2-3 days.

Policy adjustment: Sri Lanka Customs has strengthened supervision in recent years. About 35% of goods require physical inspection, which may lead to additional delays.

Freight Forwarding

Flight coordination: Lock in a direct flight class or choose the best transit plan (such as Singapore saving 4 hours over the Middle East).

Pre-clearance service: Submit documents in advance to the Sri Lanka Customs System (ASYCUDA) for "instant release" upon arrival at the port.

Emergency handling: In case of inspection, the local team can coordinate on-site to accelerate release (reduce 50% delay risk).

Summary

Fastest: 2 days (direct flight + pre-clearance + no inspection).

Regular: 3-5 days (direct flight/efficient transit + standard customs clearance).

The slowest: more than 7 days (multiple transfers/peak season congestion/file problems).

What are the cargo charter flights from China to Sri Lanka Airport?

Cargo charter services from China to Colombo Airport (CMB) in Sri Lanka are mainly provided by airlines such as China International Cargo (CA), China Southern Airlines (CZ), China Eastern Airlines (MU), and Sichuan Airlines (3U), covering hub cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Chengdu.

Airline Information

Air China Cargo (CA): From Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), flight number CA1007, frequency is irregular charter, segment is PEK-CMB (direct flight); From Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), flight number is CA8407, frequency is irregular charter, segment is PVG-CMB (direct flight); From Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN), flight number is CA1095, frequency is irregular charter, segment is CAN-CMB (direct flight).

China Southern Airlines (CZ): Departing from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG), flight number CZ3504, frequency is irregular charter, flight segment is NKG-CMB (direct flight).

Sichuan Airlines (3U): Departing from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU), flight number is 3U8703, frequency is irregular charter, flight segment is CTU-CMB (direct flight).

China Eastern Airlines (MU): Departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), flight number MU713, frequency is every Friday and Sunday, segment is PVG-CMB (belly cargo, non-full cargo aircraft charter).

Route Introduction

Beijing (PEK) - Colombo (CMB): The CA1007 charter flight route of Air China Cargo is an important channel between China and Sri Lanka, capable of handling oversized cargo (≤ 15 tons per item) and providing temperature-controlled cargo compartments.

Shanghai (PVG) - Colombo (CMB): China International Cargo Airlines' CA8407 charter flight complements China Eastern Airlines' MU713 belly cargo transportation. The former is suitable for bulk cargo, while the latter is suitable for bulk cargo. MU713 belly cargo can receive e-commerce packages, and can be quickly cleared through the cross-border e-commerce dedicated cargo station at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The whole process takes 3-5 days.

Guangzhou (CAN) - Colombo (CMB): China International Cargo Airlines' CA1095 charter flight focuses on e-commerce cargo transportation. Combined with the cross-border e-commerce resources of Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, it provides "pre-clearance" services, allowing goods to be quickly released upon arrival at the port.

Nanjing (NKG) - Colombo (CMB): China Southern Airlines' CZ3504 charter flight passes through the green channel fast security check at Nanjing Lukou Airport, and is paired with a direct flight. The whole journey takes about 2-3 days.

Chengdu (CTU) - Colombo (CMB): Sichuan Airlines' 3U8703 charter flight focuses on cold chain transportation, using the A330-300 passenger-to-cargo model, which can receive temperature-controlled goods (such as vaccines and flowers), and provides "pre-clearance" services. Combining with local supply chain resources in Chengdu, it provides flexible logistics support for enterprises in the southwest region.

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

The price of air freight from China to Colombo Airport in Sri Lanka varies depending on the route, airline, and cargo weight. The unit price for cargo over 100kg is about 20-38 yuan/kg. For China International Cargo (CA) routes from Beijing (PEK) to Colombo (CMB), the price for 100kg + is 38 yuan/kg, and the price for 1000kg + is reduced to 28 yuan/kg. For CA and China Eastern Airlines (MU) routes from Shanghai Pudong (PVG), the price for 1000kg + is 26 yuan and 24 yuan/kg respectively. For Guangzhou (CAN) CA routes, the price for 1000kg + is 25 yuan/kg. For Nanjing (NKG) Southern Airlines (CZ) routes, the price is as low as 23 yuan/kg. For Shenzhen (SZX), Sri Lanka Airlines (UL) routes, with the advantage of direct flights, the price for 1000kg + is only 20 yuan/kg. Prices are affected by seasons and fuel costs. They may increase by 10% -15% before and after the Spring Festival. The reduction of fuel surcharges in April 2026 may drive down freight rates by 5% -10%. Transportation requires preparation of commercial invoices and other documents. Normal customs clearance takes 1-3 days, but it may be extended to 7 days during port congestion.

Price Fluctuation Factors

Price Fluctuation Risk:

Prices may increase by 10% -15% before and after the Spring Festival (January-February). It is recommended to stock up in advance or choose alternative routes.

Fuel surcharges fluctuate with international oil prices, and are expected to be reduced to 6-8 yuan /kg in April 2025, driving the overall freight rate down by 5% -10%.

Documents and Customs Clearance:

Required documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (if required to enjoy tariff preferences). Sanitary certificate is required for cold chain goods.

Customs clearance time: Normal customs clearance at Colombo Airport takes 1-3 days, but may be delayed up to 7 days during port congestion.