Air Freight Shipping from/to Nigeria
Ship your cargo internationally in 3-7 days. Real-time tracking, customs clearance included, and competitive rates. 32+ years of logistics excellence.
📋 Table of Contents
Why Choose Air Freight?
Fast, secure, and reliable air cargo shipping for time-sensitive shipments worldwide
Lightning Fast Transit
Deliver cargo in 3-7 days globally. Perfect for urgent shipments, perishables, and high-value goods that can't wait for sea freight.
Real-Time Tracking
Track your shipment 24/7 through our online portal or mobile app. Get notifications at every checkpoint from pickup to delivery.
Customs Clearance Included
Our expert customs brokers handle all documentation and clearance procedures at both origin and destination ports.
Secure Handling
Your cargo is handled with care following strict IATA standards. Optional insurance coverage available for high-value items.
Competitive Pricing
Access wholesale air freight rates through our partnerships with major airlines. Save up to 40% vs direct booking.
24/7 Expert Support
Our logistics team is available round-the-clock to answer questions, provide updates, and resolve any shipping issues.
What is Air Freight Shipping?
Air freight is the transportation of goods via aircraft from one country to another. It's the fastest shipping method available, ideal for time-sensitive cargo, high-value items, and perishable goods.
Unlike sea freight which takes 25-35 days, air freight delivers internationally in just 3-7 days door-to-door including customs clearance. This speed makes it perfect for e-commerce businesses, manufacturers with just-in-time inventory, and anyone who can't wait weeks for cargo arrival.
When to choose air freight over sea freight:
- Urgent shipments (delivery needed in less than 2 weeks)
- High-value, low-weight cargo (electronics, jewelry, documents)
- Perishable goods (food, flowers, pharmaceuticals)
- Time-sensitive materials (fashion, seasonal items)
- When inventory holding costs exceed air freight premium
- Small shipments (under 100kg) where air is cost-competitive
Industries We Serve
Over 32+ years, we've developed specialized expertise across diverse industries. We understand the unique requirements of your sector and provide tailored air freight solutions.
Air Freight Transit Times to Nigeria
Specific door-to-door delivery times including customs clearance and final delivery
| Origin Country/Region | Major Cities | Transit Time | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing | 5-7 days | Direct flights available |
| United States | New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston | 4-6 days | Direct & connecting flights |
| United Kingdom | London, Manchester, Birmingham | 3-5 days | Direct flights daily |
| Germany | Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg | 3-5 days | Direct via Frankfurt hub |
| United Arab Emirates | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah | 2-4 days | Multiple daily flights |
| India | Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai | 4-6 days | Direct & connecting options |
| Turkey | Istanbul, Ankara | 3-5 days | Direct via Istanbul hub |
| South Africa | Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban | 3-5 days | Direct regional service |
How Air Freight Shipping Works
Simple 8-step process from quote to delivery at your door
Request Quote
Contact us with shipment details. Get competitive quote within 2 hours with all costs included.
Book Shipment
Confirm booking and receive tracking number. We coordinate pickup schedule with you.
Cargo Pickup
We collect cargo from your location or you deliver to our warehouse for inspection.
Documentation
Our team prepares export documents including invoice, packing list, and airway bill.
Airport Processing
Cargo transported to airport, cleared through security, and loaded onto aircraft.
Air Transit
Your cargo flies to destination. Track in real-time with flight status updates.
Customs Clearance
Our broker clears cargo through destination customs with pre-prepared documentation.
Final Delivery
Cargo delivered to your address or ready for pickup. Delivery confirmation sent.
What Affects Air Freight Costs?
Understanding the factors that determine your shipping rate
Weight & Dimensions
Air freight is charged based on chargeable weight - whichever is higher between actual weight and volumetric weight.
- Actual weight: Physical weight in kilograms
- Volumetric weight: (L × W × H in cm) / 5000
- Minimum charge usually applies (45kg)
- Rates decrease at weight breaks (100kg, 300kg, 500kg)
Origin & Destination
Distance, route availability, and market demand affect rates significantly.
- Direct flights vs connecting routes
- Major hubs (cheaper) vs remote locations
- Trade lane balance (import/export volumes)
- Seasonal demand fluctuations
Cargo Type
Different cargo types have different handling requirements and insurance needs.
- General cargo: Standard rates
- Dangerous goods: +30-50% surcharge
- Perishables: Temperature control fees
- High-value items: Higher insurance premiums
Fuel Surcharges & Fees
Additional charges that vary monthly based on market conditions.
- Fuel surcharge: 20-40% of base rate
- Security screening fee: Fixed per shipment
- Airport handling: Based on weight
- Customs clearance: Document processing fees
Air Freight vs Sea Freight Comparison
Choose the right shipping method based on your specific needs
| Factor | Air Freight | Sea Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 3-7 days door-to-door | 25-35 days door-to-door |
| Cost per kg | $4-8 per kg (higher) | $0.50-2 per kg (lower) |
| Best For | Urgent, high-value, light cargo | Heavy, bulky, non-urgent cargo |
| Weight Limits | Up to 500kg economical | Unlimited (containers) |
| Tracking | Real-time every checkpoint | Vessel location updates |
| Security | Higher (airport security) | Standard container security |
| Customs | Faster (2-3 days) | Slower (4-7 days) |
| Documentation | Simpler (Air Waybill) | More complex (Bill of Lading) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about air freight shipping to Nigeria
How fast is air freight shipping?
How much does air freight cost from China to Nigeria?
Do you handle Form M and PAAR processing?
Can I track my air freight shipment?
What items cannot be shipped by air freight?
Is customs clearance included in air freight services?
Do you provide door-to-door service?
When should I choose air freight over sea freight?
Can you ship perishable goods by air freight?
Do you handle dangerous goods shipments?
Types of Cargo We Handle
Professional handling for diverse cargo types with specialized requirements
📦 General Cargo
Electronics, textiles, machinery parts, consumer goods, documents, samples, and standard commercial shipments up to 500kg.
🍎 Perishable Goods
Fresh produce, flowers, seafood, meat, dairy products with temperature-controlled containers and expedited customs clearance.
📱 Electronics
Phones, laptops, tablets, components with anti-static packaging and special handling for lithium battery regulations.
💊 Medical Supplies
Pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical equipment, samples requiring temperature control and WHO GDP compliance.
💍 High-Value Items
Jewelry, precious metals, artwork, collectibles with enhanced security, full insurance coverage, and discrete handling.
⚠️ Dangerous Goods
Chemicals, batteries, cosmetics, perfumes following IATA DGR regulations with certified dangerous goods handlers.
Why Choose Bowagate for Air Freight?
32+ years of logistics excellence serving businesses across Nigeria
32+ Years Experience
Established in 1994, we've handled over 50,000 air freight shipments. Our expertise ensures smooth customs clearance and on-time delivery.
Major Airline Partnerships
Direct contracts with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Cargo giving you access to wholesale rates and daily flights.
Comprehensive Insurance
Optional all-risk cargo insurance covering full declared value from door to door. Claims support team handles any damage or loss issues.
Real-Time Tracking Portal
Advanced tracking system showing exact location, flight details, customs status. Mobile app with push notifications for status updates.
Customs Expertise
Licensed customs brokers with deep knowledge of Nigerian import regulations, HS codes, duty calculations, and SONCAP requirements.
Competitive Rates
Volume discounts, consolidated shipping options, and direct airline contracts save you 30-40% vs booking directly with carriers.
Ready to Ship Your Cargo?
Get an instant quote for your air freight shipment. Our team responds within 2 hours with competitive rates and all costs included.