Air Cargo Booking from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) to Sydney (SYD): A Complete Guide
In today’s interconnected economy, air freight has become an essential mode of transport for businesses looking to expand internationally. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), located in Ho Chi Minh City, is the busiest air cargo hub in southern Vietnam, while Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) stands as one of Australia’s largest and most important logistics gateways.
The SGN–SYD route plays a vital role in facilitating trade between Vietnam and Australia. Vietnamese exports such as seafood, fresh produce, textiles, and footwear are in high demand in the Australian market, while imports from Sydney typically include pharmaceuticals, high-tech equipment, and industrial machinery.
This guide from AirAsia Cargo provides a step-by-step overview of how to book and manage air freight shipments from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney, along with key considerations and supporting logistics services.
The distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney is over 6,300 km. With direct and connecting flights, cargo can reach Sydney within 9–12 hours of flying time. In comparison, ocean freight can take 12–18 days, making air freight the superior choice for time-sensitive shipments.
Airlines serving this route operate on fixed schedules and follow strict handling standards. This reliability is especially valuable for businesses with just-in-time supply chains or those shipping perishable and high-value goods.
Air freight services between SGN and SYD accommodate a wide range of cargo types, including:
Seafood and frozen goods: shrimp, basa fish, and tuna—Vietnam’s top exports to Australia.
Fresh produce: dragon fruit, mangoes, bananas, and longans.
Textiles and footwear: part of Vietnam’s leading export industries.
Pharmaceuticals, electronics, and medical devices: commonly imported from Australia.
Dangerous Goods (DG): accepted under IATA regulations with proper documentation.
Before booking, shippers should have the following details ready:
Type of cargo (general, perishable, or dangerous goods).
Weight and dimensions (to calculate chargeable weight).
Destination address in Sydney.
Several international and regional carriers offer cargo services between SGN and SYD, either directly or via connecting hubs:
Vietnam Airlines Cargo – direct flights between SGN and SYD; well-suited for seafood and agricultural products.
Qantas Freight – Australia’s flagship carrier with extensive cargo handling capabilities.
Singapore Airlines Cargo – efficient connections via Singapore, strong reputation for reliability.
Cathay Pacific Cargo – routes via Hong Kong, ideal for time-sensitive shipments.
AirAsia Cargo – cost-effective and flexible solutions leveraging AirAsia’s strong regional network across Asia-Pacific.
Freight forwarders simplify the process by:
Advising on the most efficient routes and carriers.
Negotiating competitive rates.
Handling export documentation and customs clearance.
Offering door-to-door delivery services.
The typical booking process includes:
Submitting shipment details (weight, volume, and type).
Receiving a quotation.
Confirming the booking and making payment/deposit.
Obtaining the Air Waybill (AWB) – the official contract of carriage.
To ensure smooth handling:
Packaging: Use pallets, cartons, or Unit Load Devices (ULDs) designed for air transport.
Labeling: Include shipper/consignee details, handling instructions, and hazard labels if applicable.
Documentation: Double-check all paperwork to avoid customs delays.
Although air freight is fast, potential delays may occur due to:
Adverse weather conditions.
Customs inspections.
Peak season congestion (September–December).
📌 Tip: Book shipments at least one week in advance of the intended delivery date.
Air freight charges are calculated based on chargeable weight:
Bulky but lightweight cargo → charged by volume weight.
Heavy but compact cargo → charged by actual weight.
Key documents required include:
Commercial Invoice – details of goods and transaction.
Packing List – description and packaging details.
Export/import permits – if applicable for regulated goods.
Air Waybill (AWB) – issued by the carrier or forwarder.
Since shipments often involve high-value or perishable goods, it is strongly recommended to purchase cargo insurance to safeguard against risks such as loss, theft, or damage.
Many logistics companies offer comprehensive services, including pick-up, customs clearance, warehousing, and last-mile delivery in Sydney.
Warehouses near both SGN and SYD provide storage options, including cold storage facilities for seafood and fresh produce. This ensures flexibility in case of early arrivals or customs delays.
Most airlines and freight forwarders, including AirAsia Cargo, offer real-time shipment tracking through online platforms or mobile apps using the AWB number.
Plan ahead: Avoid last-minute bookings, especially during peak export seasons.
Choose the right service: For urgent or perishable cargo, request priority or express handling.
Monitor your shipment: Use AWB tracking systems for updates.
Stay in contact with your forwarder: Quick communication ensures faster resolution if issues arise.
Air cargo from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) to Sydney (SYD) offers businesses a fast, reliable, and secure logistics solution for connecting Vietnam and Australia. While more expensive than ocean freight, air freight provides unmatched benefits in speed, reliability, and reduced risk—making it ideal for time-sensitive and high-value goods.
By selecting reputable airlines, partnering with experienced freight forwarders, and preparing documentation carefully, businesses can ensure their shipments arrive in Sydney smoothly and efficiently.
At AirAsia Cargo, we are committed to providing flexible, cost-effective, and trustworthy solutions for your SGN–SYD shipments—helping Vietnamese businesses expand confidently into the Australian market.