Major Airports in Europe for Air Cargo from China (2025 Guide)

Major airports in Europe for air cargo from China play a crucial role in global trade, especially as e-commerce, just-in-time manufacturing, and international sourcing continue to expand. With growing demand for fast and reliable delivery, many European businesses rely on air cargo from China to receive goods like electronics, auto parts, medical devices, and precision instruments.

Unlike sea freight, which may take several weeks, air freight from China ensures delivery to Europe in just 3–7 days—depending on the destination airport. This makes air shipping the preferred method for high-value, time-sensitive, or perishable goods.

Choosing the right European arrival airport can significantly impact shipping costs, customs clearance speed, and final-mile delivery. In this guide, we explore the most important cargo airports in Europe for handling shipments from China efficiently.

Top 10 European Airports for Air Freight from China

Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany

Frankfurt Airport is the largest and most important international freight hub in Europe, handling over 2.2 million metric tons of cargo annually. As Germany’s primary airport and a global logistics leader, FRA offers unmatched infrastructure for large volumes of air shipments from China.

• Popular Routes: Shanghai Pudong, Shenzhen, Hong Kong → FRA
• Key Carriers: Lufthansa Cargo, China Southern Airlines, AirBridgeCargo
• Strengths: Advanced cargo operations, fast transit times, efficient customs clearance, dedicated cargo terminals

Frankfurt is ideal for: industrial equipment, precision goods, pharmaceutical products, and FCL container loads via airport-to-airport shipping.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of Europe’s busiest and most strategic airports for air cargo logistics. It ranks consistently among the top 5 for air freight volume, thanks to its seamless connections to global trade routes and streamlined customs procedures.

• Popular Routes: Beijing Capital, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shanghai → AMS
• Key Carriers: KLM Cargo, China Cargo Airlines, FedEx Express
• Strengths: Fast air cargo clearance, bonded warehouse zones, and 24/7 operations

AMS is especially favored for e-commerce, fast delivery, and B2B shipments from China due to its location and distribution efficiency across Western Europe.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France

Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris is France’s largest international airport and one of the top gateways for air shipping from China to Southern and Western Europe. It offers high-volume cargo capacity and serves as a regional hub for many express carriers.

• Popular Routes: Shenzhen, Zhengzhou, and Ezhou Huahu → CDG
• Key Carriers: Air France Cargo, SF Airlines, DHL Aviation
• Strengths: Express handling terminals, reliable air freight rates, and simplified customs duties

CDG is particularly well-suited for perishable goods, tailored solutions for high-value cargo, and express air services to final destinations in France, Spain, and beyond.

London Heathrow Airport (LHR), United Kingdom

London Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe and a major arrival point for air cargo from China to the UK and surrounding European countries. While primarily known for passenger traffic, Heathrow also handles over 1.5 million metric tons of cargo annually.

• Popular Routes: Guangzhou, Beijing Capital, and Shanghai → LHR
• Key Carriers: British Airways World Cargo, China Eastern Airlines, Air China
• Strengths: Central UK location, high-value air transportation, access to financial and consumer markets

Heathrow is often chosen for high-value goods, including fashion, electronics, and precision instruments. Freight forwarders often pair this with final-mile trucking or rail to destinations across the UK and Ireland.

Liege Airport (LGG), Belgium

Liege Airport is one of the fastest-growing cargo-only airports in Europe and a rising star for e-commerce and DDP shipments from China. With no passenger traffic, LGG offers 24/7 dedicated air cargo operations.

• Popular Routes: Yiwu, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong → LGG
• Key Carriers: Cainiao, SF Express, AirBridgeCargo
• Strengths: Simplified customs, bonded logistics parks, fast handling of small parcels

This airport is heavily used for B2C cross-border shipments, particularly for platforms like AliExpress and other Chinese e-commerce sellers targeting European consumers. It’s a cost effective hub for small business shipments.

Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ), Germany

Leipzig Airport is home to DHL’s main European hub and one of the top airports for express air freight from China. It’s ideal for urgent shipments or time-sensitive cargo, especially those requiring night delivery schedules.

• Popular Routes: Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Ezhou Huahu → LEJ
• Key Carriers: DHL Aviation, AeroLogic, SF Airlines
• Strengths: Time-definite shipping, air waybill control, optimized express logistics

LEJ supports high-frequency flights, specialized sorting centers, and tailored solutions for industries like pharmaceuticals and electronics. It’s also a key part of the China-Europe express delivery network.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Italy

Milan Malpensa is Italy’s largest cargo airport and a top choice for southern European deliveries. Located in a key industrial region, MXP supports high volumes of air freight from China, especially machinery, textiles, and auto parts.

• Popular Routes: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong → MXP
• Key Carriers: Cargolux, China Cargo Airlines, ITA Airways
• Strengths: Strategic access to Italy, Switzerland, and southern Europe; strong customs clearance procedures

Many shipments that land at MXP are further transported by road or rail freight to destinations across the European Union, making it a flexible and cost effective option for importers.

Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), Spain

Madrid-Barajas Airport is the primary international gateway to Spain and a key cargo hub for air shipments from China to the Iberian Peninsula. It is often selected for regional distribution routes into Portugal, southern France, and North Africa.

• Popular Routes: Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Guangzhou → MAD
• Key Carriers: Iberia Cargo, China Southern Airlines, Emirates SkyCargo
• Strengths: Expedited customs clearance, growing air cargo capacity, good weather reliability

Air freight to Madrid is a strategic option for industries like fashion, furniture, and industrial equipment, especially when paired with final destination delivery via truck or train across Spain and Portugal.

Vienna International Airport (VIE), Austria

Located at the heart of Central Europe, Vienna Airport serves as a major logistics and air cargo transit hub for countries like Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, and southern Germany.

• Popular Routes: Beijing, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou → VIE
• Key Carriers: Austrian Airlines Cargo, Cargolux, China Cargo
• Strengths: Centralized location, efficient cargo terminals, access to emerging European markets

Vienna is frequently chosen for precision goods, perishable goods, and shipments requiring controlled environments. Its integration with rail freight networks also makes it a smart choice for dual-mode shipping (air-rail).

Luxembourg Airport (LUX), Luxembourg

Luxembourg Airport is a key niche airport for specialized cargo operations, especially for high-value and sensitive shipments. It is the home base for Cargolux, one of the largest air cargo carriers in Europe.

• Popular Routes: Hong Kong, Zhengzhou, Shanghai → LUX
• Key Carriers: Cargolux, Qatar Airways Cargo, SF Airlines
• Strengths: High-security cargo handling, specialized freight forwarding, 24/7 access

LUX is favored for air shipping luxury goods, medical devices, and precision instruments into Western Europe. It also offers efficient airport-to-airport delivery across nearby EU countries.

Comparison Table: European Airports for Air Freight from China

✈ Pro Tip: Shipping costs and transit times can vary depending on season, carrier, and route availability. Partner with experienced freight forwarders to get accurate quotes and avoid delays.

Major Departure Airports in China for Europe-Bound Air Freight

When arranging international freight from China to Europe, your choice of origin airport also impacts shipping costs, transit time, and customs clearance at the destination. Below are the most commonly used departure airports for air cargo shipments to Europe:

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

• China’s largest air cargo hub
• Extensive direct flights to FRA, AMS, CDG, LHR
• Handles a wide range of goods: electronics, precision instruments, high-value items

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

• Strong in manufacturing exports: furniture, garments, electronics
• Frequent cargo aircraft departures to Spain, Germany, France

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

• Preferred for Northern China suppliers
• Fast links to central European countries like Austria, Czechia

Ezhou Huahu International Airport (EHU)

• China’s first cargo-focused international airport
• Rapidly growing hub for e-commerce and express freight
• Specialized in airport-to-airport delivery with 24/7 operations

Air Freight Routes from China to Europe: What You Need to Know

There are dozens of specific routes for air freight connecting China and Europe. The optimal shipping method depends on the final destination, cargo type, and urgency. Below are common examples:

• PVG – FRA (Shanghai to Frankfurt): 2–3 days, high capacity, daily service
• CAN – AMS (Guangzhou to Amsterdam): 3–5 days, ideal for electronics
• EHU – LGG (Ezhou to Liege): 4–6 days, strong for small parcel B2C
• PEK – CDG (Beijing to Paris): 2–4 days, good for time-definite shipments

Most carriers offer direct airport-to-airport connections, with transfer possibilities at hub airports if needed. For time-sensitive goods, it’s critical to confirm transit times, customs clearance windows, and dimensional weight to avoid delays.

Air Freight vs. Rail and Sea Freight to Europe: Which Is Best?

For importers comparing shipping methods from China to Europe, the three main options are air freight, sea freight, and rail freight. Each has distinct advantages based on cost, time, and cargo type.

• Air freight ensures fast delivery with minimal disruption, ideal for tight timelines.
• Sea shipping is best for large container loads, furniture, or raw materials.
• Rail freight offers a cost-effective option between speed and budget, especially for destinations near Poland, Germany, or Czechia.

Explore more shipping guides:

Air Freight from China to France

Air Freight from China to Italy

Top 10 Seaports in Europe in 2024

Air Freight from China to Germany

Air Freight from China to UK

Cheapest way to ship from China to Europe

Customs Clearance at Major European Airports

Once your shipment arrives at a European airport, it must go through customs clearance before it can be released to the consignee. Each country within the European Union has its own customs processes, but the required documentation is largely standardized.

Required Documents for Clearance:

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin (if required)
• EORI Number for importers in the EU

Duties and Taxes:

• VAT (Value Added Tax) is generally applicable
• Customs Duties vary by HS code and product classification
• Some items may require import licenses or CE certification

To ensure fast delivery, make sure your paperwork is complete and accurate. Working with a reliable freight forwarder helps you avoid delays due to documentation errors or customs inspections.

Final Tips: Optimize Your Air Cargo Shipping from China to Europe

Whether you are a small e-commerce brand or an established importer, here are essential tips to streamline your air freight from China:

• Use a chargeable weight calculator to estimate shipping fees based on dimensional weight
• Work with experienced freight forwarders who know specific airport procedures and carriers
• Choose the right shipping method based on time, cost, and cargo value
• Consider using DDP shipping (Delivered Duty Paid) for smoother delivery to European buyers
• Always verify airline schedules and local customs holidays to avoid offloading delays

Efficient air transportation begins with accurate planning—from choosing the airport to handling paperwork and delivery.

FAQ – Air Freight from China to Europe

What is the cheapest airport in Europe for air freight from China?

Liege Airport (LGG) in Belgium often offers lower rates for small parcels and e-commerce shipments, especially with DDP services.

How long does air cargo from China to Europe take?

Transit time ranges from 3 to 7 days, depending on origin and destination airports. Direct routes like Shanghai to Frankfurt are faster.

What are the main documents required for customs clearance?

You need an Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and sometimes Certificate of Origin.

What is dimensional weight and why does it matter?

Dimensional weight is a billing method based on the cargo’s size rather than actual weight. Airlines charge based on whichever is greater.

Can I ship high-value goods like electronics or precision tools by air?

Yes. Airports like Frankfurt, Paris, and Luxembourg are equipped to handle high-value or sensitive goods securely.

Is air freight better than sea or rail freight?

It depends. Air freight is best for speed and high-value goods; sea freight is cheaper for bulk; rail freight is a middle-ground solution.

Conclusion: Choose the Best Airport for Your Air Cargo Strategy

Choosing the right European airport for air cargo from China is essential for minimizing shipping costs, reducing transit time, and ensuring seamless customs clearance. Airports like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris CDG provide excellent infrastructure, while Liege and Leipzig are rising stars for e-commerce and express shipping.

Whether you’re shipping high-value products, small business goods, or full container loads, working with the right freight forwarder can make all the difference in your international shipping experience.

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