British Airways Cargo – Air Freight Rates & Services
British Airways World Cargo (BA) operates from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), one of Europe’s busiest hubs. Leveraging BA’s extensive long-haul network of wide-body aircraft, British Airways Cargo provides belly-hold freight services to over 200 destinations worldwide, with particular strength on transatlantic and Commonwealth routes.
British Airways Cargo Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | BA |
| Cargo Brand | IAG Cargo (shared with Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling) |
| Main Hub | London Heathrow Airport (LHR) |
| Cargo Destinations | 200+ worldwide |
| Fleet for Cargo | Belly-hold on B777, B787, A350, A380 |
| Group Network | IAG Cargo — BA + Iberia + Aer Lingus |
| Special Products | Prioritise, Constant Climate, Critical, Secure |
Estimated Air Freight Rates via British Airways Cargo
| Route | 45 kg | 100 kg | 300 kg | 500 kg | 1000 kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LHR → JFK (New York) | €3.60/kg | €3.00/kg | €2.50/kg | €2.10/kg | €1.80/kg |
| LHR → DXB (Dubai) | €3.40/kg | €2.80/kg | €2.30/kg | €2.00/kg | €1.70/kg |
| LHR → HKG (Hong Kong) | €4.20/kg | €3.60/kg | €3.00/kg | €2.60/kg | €2.20/kg |
| LHR → JNB (Johannesburg) | €3.80/kg | €3.20/kg | €2.60/kg | €2.20/kg | €1.90/kg |
| LHR → BOM (Mumbai) | €3.60/kg | €3.00/kg | €2.40/kg | €2.00/kg | €1.70/kg |
| LHR → SYD (Sydney) | €4.80/kg | €4.20/kg | €3.50/kg | €3.00/kg | €2.50/kg |
Rates are estimates for general cargo (2025–2026). View current market rates →
IAG Cargo Services (British Airways)
Prioritise — Express freight with guaranteed uplift on next available flight, priority loading, and expedited handling. Ideal for time-critical shipments from the UK.
Constant Climate — CEIV Pharma-certified temperature-controlled logistics with active and passive solutions. London’s pharmaceutical industry makes this a key product for UK biotech exports.
Critical — Emergency freight for aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations, production line stops, and other mission-critical shipments. Available 24/7 with dedicated customer handling.
Secure — Enhanced security for valuable cargo including precious metals, electronics, fashion, and art. London’s position as a global luxury and financial centre drives strong demand.
Key Hub: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow is the UK’s primary cargo gateway, handling over 1.5 million tonnes annually. BA’s extensive long-haul network from LHR — particularly strong to North America, the Middle East, India, and Africa — provides belly-hold capacity on wide-body aircraft including B777, B787, A350, and A380. The IAG Cargo group expands reach through Madrid (Iberia) and Dublin (Aer Lingus).
Learn more about London Heathrow Airport →
Get a British Airways Cargo Quote
The UK’s premier cargo carrier with global reach from Heathrow. Ideal for shipments from the UK to the Americas, Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between British Airways Cargo and IAG Cargo?
IAG Cargo is the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), which owns British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. Cargo booked through IAG Cargo can fly on any of these airlines. This extends the network to include Madrid’s strong Latin American routes (via Iberia) and Dublin’s North Atlantic connections (via Aer Lingus).
Does British Airways have freighter aircraft?
British Airways does not operate dedicated freighter aircraft. All cargo is transported in the belly-hold of passenger flights. However, BA’s wide-body fleet (B777 offers 20+ tonnes of cargo capacity per flight) provides substantial capacity. For full freighter needs, IAG Cargo can arrange charter solutions.
Is British Airways Cargo competitive for transatlantic freight?
Very competitive — BA operates multiple daily B777 and B787 flights between London and major US cities (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami). This high frequency provides flexible departure options and same-day connections for urgent cargo.
How do I ship cargo from the UK via British Airways?
BA/IAG Cargo shipments are typically booked through freight forwarders, who have access to negotiated rates and booking systems. For regular shippers, IAG Cargo also offers direct booking through their digital platform. For the best rates, request quotes through a specialist like Air Freight Price.
Disclaimer: All rates shown are approximate market estimates. Air Freight Price is an independent comparison platform and is not affiliated with British Airways plc or International Airlines Group.