Air Freight from China to Greece

Air freight from China to Greece has become one of the most reliable shipping channels for businesses that require fast transit time, stable schedules, and secure transportation. As Greece continues to strengthen its role as a strategic gateway to the European Union, demand for efficient international shipping solutions continues to rise. Whether the cargo is destined for Athens, Thessaloniki, or island markets like Crete, air freight provides the speed and flexibility needed by importers in retail, manufacturing, construction materials, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce.

China remains Greece’s largest import source in Asia, and the increasing trade volume has resulted in more frequent flights, more competitive air freight rates, and improved customs clearance procedures. Major Chinese airports—such as Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an, and Hong Kong International Airport—handle millions of tons of air cargo each year, connecting directly or indirectly to Athens International Airport and other regional hubs.

Compared with traditional sea shipping, which can take over 25–40 days, air freight offers rapid delivery, giving businesses a competitive advantage in stock availability, product launches, and peak-season sales. This guide provides an in-depth explanation of the entire shipping process from China to Greece, including costs, transit time, customs clearance rules, documentation, and best practices to achieve efficient logistics.

Why Importers Choose Air Freight (Benefits & Use Cases)

Air freight is not always the cheapest method, but it is the preferred solution in situations where time, reliability, and product safety matter the most. Importers choose air transportation from China to Greece because it offers a unique balance between speed and stability that sea freight and rail freight cannot provide.

Key Advantages of Air Freight from China to Greece

Rapid Delivery and Predictable Transit Time

Air freight is the fastest international shipping method. Most shipments from China to Greece arrive within 3–10 days, depending on the service type. For urgent restocking, promotional campaigns, holidays, or seasonal products, shipping goods by air is often the only viable option.

Lower Damage Rates and High Security

Air cargo undergoes fewer touchpoints than sea freight or LCL shipping. Airlines use modern cargo handling systems, temperature control, and advanced safety protocols, making air shipping ideal for electronics, medical items, and high-value products.

Flexible Shipping Volume

Unlike ocean freight where you may need a full container load, air freight allows you to ship:

• 10–50 kg small parcels
• 50–500 kg medium shipments
• 500–2,000 kg bulk shipments

This flexibility makes air freight attractive to both small businesses and large distributors.

Better Inventory Management

With shorter shipping time, companies can reduce warehouse stock, shorten cash cycles, and respond quickly to market changes. For fast-moving consumer goods, this can significantly improve profitability.

Trouble-Free Shipping for E-Commerce Sellers

E-commerce imports from China—including fashion, accessories, electronics, and beauty products—rely heavily on air transport. Direct flights and reliable transit schedules help sellers maintain timely delivery, especially during peak seasons.

Excellent for Time-Sensitive Shipments

Industries that rely on rapid delivery include:

• auto parts
• repair & maintenance equipment
• medical and laboratory supplies
• urgent production components

In these cases, delays can be extremely costly, making air freight the best choice.

Air Freight Costs from China to Greece (2025 Updated)

Air freight costs are determined by a combination of airline prices, market demand, and shipment characteristics. Understanding these factors will help you estimate your total shipping costs more accurately and avoid unexpected charges.

Main Factors Affecting Air Freight Costs

Origin Airport & Airline Routes

Major Chinese airports offer better connectivity and competitive rates because they handle high cargo volume. Flights from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Hong Kong typically offer lower prices and faster service.

Destination Airport in Greece

Most air cargo arrives at Athens International Airport, though Thessaloniki and Heraklion also receive commercial shipments. Athens, as Greece’s main cargo hub, benefits from smoother customs clearance and faster cargo handling.

Chargeable Weight

Airlines charge based on the higher of:

• actual weight
• volumetric weight

The standard volumetric formula is based on 6000 divisor, making packaging optimization essential.

Cargo Type

Sensitive or restricted items (batteries, chemicals, powders) may require additional documents or handling fees.

Peak Season Surcharges

Air freight rates increase during:

• Chinese New Year
• Back-to-school season
• Black Friday & Christmas
• Summer tourism peaks

Planning ahead can significantly reduce shipping price fluctuations.

Service Level

Options include:

• airport-to-airport
• door-to-door
• tax-included DDP shipping
• express courier shipping

Each level offers different transit times and service coverage.

Understanding these cost components helps businesses optimize the total landed cost and choose the most cost-effective air transportation solution.

Air Freight Price Tables (2025 Reference)

These price ranges are indicative and may vary depending on season, commodity type, and airline availability.

Airport-to-Airport Air Freight Rates (General Cargo)

DDP Air Freight Rates (Tax-Included Door Delivery)

Includes shipping, export customs, Greek customs clearance, customs duties, VAT, and final delivery.

DDP shipping is ideal for buyers without import licenses or for companies that want a predictable total landed cost.

Transit Time from China to Greece

Transit time is one of the most important factors when choosing air freight. Compared with sea freight—which may take 25–40 days—air shipping guarantees rapid delivery, predictable schedules, and consistent performance across the year.

The exact shipping duration depends on the route, airline, customs clearance, and the service level you choose. Below is a detailed overview to help you plan your supply chain accurately.

Typical Transit Time by Air Freight Service Type

Factors That Influence Transit Time

Direct Flights vs. Indirect Flights

Direct flights from major Chinese airports to Athens International Airport (ATH) offer the fastest transit. Indirect flights routed through LUX, FRA, CDG, IST, LGG, AMS may add 1–3 days.

Origin Airport Cargo Volume

Airports like PVG, CAN, SZX, HKG process millions of tons of cargo per year, improving efficiency and reducing flight delays.

Customs Clearance in Greece

Most cargo clears customs within 24–48 hours if documentation is correct. Inspections, unclear HS codes, or undervaluation may extend clearance time.

Major Airports in China & Greece

Understanding the major airports can help you choose the best route, the fastest flights, and the most cost-effective shipping options.

Major Airports in China

China has the world’s largest air cargo network. The airports below account for over 70% of China-to-Greece air freight volume.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

• China’s top air cargo hub
• Excellent capacity for electronics, machinery, textiles
• Strong connectivity to Europe
• Near the world’s busiest container port, enabling multimodal shipping (sea + air)

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

• South China’s main cargo airport
• Excellent for commercial goods, home appliances, lighting, tools
• Highly stable air freight rates

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)

• Key hub for e-commerce shipments
• Strong performance for consumer goods, accessories, tablets, and smart devices
• High-frequency flights to EU cargo hubs

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

• One of the world’s largest international cargo airports
• Premium air cargo service
• Ideal for urgent shipments
• Faster handling and shorter cut-off times

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

• North China’s main aviation center
• Air China operates numerous long-haul routes
• Suitable for machinery, industrial supplies, auto parts

Yiwu & Hangzhou Airports

• Popular for small commodities and marketplace goods
• Consolidation centers allow multi-supplier collection
• Ideal for sellers sourcing from Yiwu market

Major Airports in Greece

Greece receives air cargo from China mainly through three airports.

Athens International Airport (ATH)

• Greece’s largest airport
• Handles most international shipping consignments
• Modern customs clearance facilities
• Strong European distribution network
• Suitable for all commercial cargo

Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)

• Supports Northern Greece, Balkans & Eastern Europe
• Suitable for industrial goods, retail products, raw materials
• Effective last-mile delivery options

Heraklion International Airport (HER)

• Ideal for island tourism markets
• Used for hotels, restaurants, resorts, and seasonal demand
• Limited but reliable cargo handling capacity

Air Freight Shipping Methods Explained

Importers can choose from several shipping methods based on budget, cargo type, and delivery requirements. Each method offers different advantages in terms of speed, cost, and convenience.

Airport-to-Airport Air Freight

This is the most common and most cost-effective air transportation service. You deliver goods to the origin airport in China, and your receiver handles:

• import customs clearance
• duties and VAT
• local delivery

Ideal for experienced importers or those working with a local Greek customs broker.

Door-to-Door Air Shipping

A full-service solution that includes:

• factory pickup
• air freight
• destination handling
• door delivery

The consignee pays customs duties and customs fees separately. Best for businesses wanting simplicity without committing to DDP.

DDP Air Freight (Delivered Duty Paid)

This is the most convenient method and is increasingly popular for e-commerce sellers and companies without import licenses.

DDP includes:

• pickup in China
• export customs
• international air transport
• Greek customs clearance process
• customs duties + VAT included
• final delivery

This ensures a trouble-free shipping experience by letting the freight forwarder manage all logistics operations and compliance processes.

Express Shipping Options

Fastest solution using dedicated courier networks:

• DHL Express
• UPS Worldwide Express
• FedEx International Priority
• EMS

Transit time is typically 3–7 days, making it ideal for samples, urgent orders, documents, or small high-value shipments.

Consolidated Air Cargo (Multi-Supplier Collection)

Freight forwarders can combine packages from multiple Chinese suppliers into a single shipment, allowing:

• lower volumetric weight
• reduced costs
• simplified customs clearance
• fewer administrative documents

This is especially beneficial for:

• Amazon / Shopify sellers
• importers sourcing from Yiwu or Guangzhou
• businesses handling multiple small items

Step-by-Step Shipping Process from China to Greece

Understanding the full shipping process helps avoid delays, control shipping costs, and maintain an efficient supply chain.

Below is the complete workflow, from your supplier’s warehouse in China to your delivery address in Greece.

Step 1: Supplier Coordination & Documentation Preparation

Your supplier issues:

• commercial invoice
• packing list
• HS codes
• product descriptions
• certificates (if required)

Your freight forwarder checks:

• compliance
• customs regulations
• shipping requirements
• cargo condition & packaging

Step 2: Export Customs Clearance in China

This includes:

• submitting export declaration
• verifying invoice + packing list
• customs inspection (if triggered)
• compliance checks for restricted items (e.g., batteries)

Chinese customs procedures are highly efficient, usually taking 1 working day unless documents need revision.

Step 3: Air Freight to Greece

Your cargo is loaded onto:

• dedicated cargo planes
• passenger aircraft belly hold
• EU hub transit flights

Transit time ranges from 3–8 days, depending on:

• flight routing
• airline capacity
• weather conditions
• holiday season

Your freight forwarder continuously tracks cargo to ensure a smooth shipping journey.

Step 4: Import Customs Clearance in Greece

Customs officers at Athens, Thessaloniki, or Heraklion airports verify:

• HS codes
• declared value
• commercial documents
• customs duties & VAT
• compliance with EU regulations

If documents are correct, clearance is typically completed within 24–48 hours.

Your freight forwarder or customs broker handles:

• duty calculation
• tax payments
• customs fees
• inspection coordination

Step 5: Final Delivery in Greece

Once cleared, cargo is transferred to:

• a local distribution center
• a warehouse
• a retail shop
• a fulfillment center
• a home delivery address

DDP shipping includes full door delivery, while DDU or airport-to-airport services require the consignee to arrange local transportation.

Explore more shipping guides:

• DDP Shipping from China to Greece
• Shipping Cost from China to Greece
• Air Freight from China to Italy
• Air Freight from China to Germany
• Air Freight from China to France

Customs Clearance in Greece (Documents, Duties & Procedures)

Customs clearance is one of the most important steps in the entire air freight shipping process. Understanding how Greek customs works helps importers avoid delays, reduce unexpected fees, and maintain a smooth supply chain.

Greece follows the European Union customs regulations, meaning the same rules apply as in Germany, Italy, France, or any other EU member state. Goods that enter Greece from China are considered imports from a non-EU country and require full customs declaration and duty payment before delivery.

Required Documents for Greek Customs

To ensure smooth customs clearance, the following standard documents are required:

Commercial Invoice

Must include:

• seller and buyer details
• product description
• HS code
• unit price & total value
• incoterms
• invoice currency & payment terms

Packing List

Shows:

• number of cartons
• weight of each carton
• dimensions
• total gross & net weight

Air Waybill (AWB)

Issued by the airline or freight forwarder. This is the transport contract for the shipment.

Certificate of Origin (if required)

Not mandatory for all products, but helpful for:

• textiles
• apparel
• furniture
• chemicals

Product Compliance Documents

Certain categories require:

• CE certificate
• test report
• MSDS (for chemicals, batteries, powders)

Import Licenses

Required only for controlled goods (pharmaceuticals, medical devices, specific machinery).

Greek Customs Duties and VAT

Customs Duties

Duty rate depends on the product’s HS code.
Common examples:

• electronics: 0–4%
• apparel: 12%
• shoes: 8–17%
• home appliances: 2–4%

VAT in Greece

Standard VAT rate: 24%
Calculated based on: (CIF value + duties + customs fees) × 24%


Additional Fees

• terminal handling charges
• inspection fees (if customs requests a check)
• storage fees (only if delayed)

Using an experienced freight forwarder helps avoid unnecessary storage and customs fees.

Customs Clearance Process in Greece

The process typically follows five steps:

Step 1 — Submission of Entry Declaration

Your customs broker submits the import declaration through the Greek customs system.

Step 2 — Document Verification

Customs verifies:

• product classification
• declared value
• documents
• certifications

Step 3 — Physical Inspection (if triggered)

Happens in about 5–10% of shipments.

Step 4 — Duty and VAT Payment

Your broker calculates:

• customs duties
• import VAT
• customs fees

Step 5 — Release for Delivery

Cargo is handed over for domestic transportation and final delivery.

DDP Air Freight: Easiest Customs Option

DDP air freight includes:

• Greek customs clearance
• duty payment
• VAT
• delivery to your door

This eliminates import risks and is ideal for:

• new importers
• e-commerce sellers
• buyers without EU import licenses

DDP ensures a fully trouble-free shipping experience.

Chargeable Weight, Packaging & Cost Optimization

Air freight cost is heavily influenced by chargeable weight, so understanding and optimizing it is key to reducing your shipping costs.

Understanding Chargeable Weight

Airlines calculate freight charges based on the greater of:

• actual weight
• volumetric weight

Volumetric Weight Formula

(L × W × H in cm) / 6000

Example: A carton measuring 60 × 40 × 40 cm = 60 × 40 × 40 / 6000 = 16 kg volumetric


If its actual weight is 10 kg, chargeable weight = 16 kg.

How to Reduce Chargeable Weight

Optimize Packaging Dimensions

Use boxes that protect the product but do not waste empty space.

Use Lightweight Packaging Materials

Switch to:

• compressed foam
• reinforced lightweight cartons
• optimized pallets

Consolidate Shipments

Send multiple small shipments as one consolidated cargo to reduce:

• handling fees
• minimum charges
• volumetric cost

Request Supplier Repacking

Often, Chinese suppliers overpack goods. Repacking can reduce shipping costs significantly for air shipments.

Ship During Off-Peak Periods

Avoid September–January when air freight rates surge.

When Air Freight Becomes Cheaper Than Sea Freight

Although sea freight is cheaper per kilogram, air freight may be more cost-effective when:

• shipping volume is under 1 CBM
• fast stock turnover is important
• product value is high
• customer demand is urgent
• avoiding long lead times reduces business losses

For high-margin products, speed is often more valuable than low shipping costs.

Air Freight vs Sea Freight vs Rail Freight

Below is a detailed comparison to help you choose the best shipping method for your needs.

Comparison Table

When to Choose Air Freight

• Delivery required within 3–10 days
• Electronics, fashion, auto parts, pharmaceuticals
• High-value & fragile products
• E-commerce business with fast turnover

When to Choose Sea Freight

Sea shipping is ideal for:

• bulky freight
• full container load (FCL shipping)
• low-cost goods
• non-urgent inventory

Many Greek importers shipping from major Chinese ports use:

• 20ft containers
• 40ft containers
• LCL shipping for mixed cargo

Sea freight is slow but cost-effective.

When to Choose Rail Freight

Rail freight is growing in popularity for:

• palletized cargo
• industrial goods
• shipments to Northern Greece

It is faster than sea shipping but cheaper than air freight.

FAQ: Common Questions About Air Freight from China to Greece

How long does air freight take from China to Greece?

Typically 4–8 days for standard service and 3–7 days for express.

Is air freight more expensive than sea freight?

Yes, but it offers much faster delivery. Small shipments often cost less by air than by LCL sea shipping.

Can I ship from 1688, Taobao, or Alibaba to Greece by air?

Yes. Freight forwarders can consolidate goods from multiple suppliers.

Do I need an import license to receive goods in Greece?

Not for most products. With DDP service, no import license is needed at all.

What is the minimum weight for air freight?

Standard minimum is 45 kg. Smaller parcels use DHL/UPS/FedEx.

Can I ship batteries or sensitive goods?

Yes, but they require:

• MSDS
• UN38.3
• special packaging

Additional fees may apply.

What is the cheapest way to ship small goods to Greece?

For shipments under 100 kg, DDP air freight or express is the most cost-effective.

How are customs duties calculated?

Based on HS code and declared value. VAT (24%) applies to all imports.

Which airport is best to ship into Greece?

Athens International Airport (ATH) is the most efficient and has the fastest customs clearance.

How can I reduce air freight costs?

• optimize packaging
• consolidate shipments
• choose off-peak flight schedules
• avoid oversized cartons
• use a reliable freight forwarder

Conclusion

Air freight from China to Greece is one of the most reliable and efficient international logistics options for importers who require fast shipping time, safe transportation, and stable supply chain performance. With strong connectivity between major Chinese airports and Athens International Airport, businesses benefit from rapid delivery, predictable transit time, and comprehensive customs clearance procedures.

Whether you choose airport-to-airport, door-to-door, or DDP air freight, working with an experienced freight forwarder ensures:

• competitive air freight rates
• smooth documentation
• trouble-free customs clearance
• timely delivery
• reduced risks & improved shipping efficiency

Air freight remains the best solution for urgent shipments, high-value products, e-commerce goods, and businesses that require consistent, fast replenishment.