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How to transport birds by plane: procedures for shipping as air cargo
- 01 Sep, 2026
- Blog
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How to transport birds by plane: procedures for shipping as air cargo
Transporting live birds by plane requires planning, coordination and attention to animal welfare. When a bird travels as air cargo, the process involves more than choosing a carrier box and delivering the bird to the cargo terminal: it is necessary to confirm in advance whether the species is accepted on the intended route, which documents are required and what conditions apply at each stage of the journey.
View carrier boxesProcedures for shipping birds as air cargo
Prepare the shipment in advance and confirm each stage directly with the organisations responsible for the route.
Confirm the route and make the booking
Contact the airline's cargo department or an agent specialising in live animals. Confirm whether the species and route are accepted, any possible restrictions, which terminals are used and how far in advance the booking needs to be made.
Whenever possible, choose a direct route or one with few stopovers to reduce journey time and handling of the carrier box.
Check the required documentation
Confirm in advance the legal and health requirements that apply in the country of origin, transit countries and destination. Depending on the species and route, health certificates, bird identification, licences or other documents may be required.
Prepare the bird and the carrier box
Make sure the bird is in suitable condition to travel and, whenever possible, gradually familiarise it with the carrier box. Do not administer sedatives or tranquillisers to make the journey easier. If there is a clinical reason, follow the advice of a veterinary surgeon and confirm the procedure with the airline or cargo agent.
Choose a carrier box suitable for the species, size and number of birds. Check the structure, ventilation, mesh, doors and fastenings. Install the perch correctly, where applicable, and prepare food, hydration and the floor material in accordance with the operator's instructions.
To compare the available models, see our guide on how to choose an Air Export carrier box for birds.
Label and deliver the shipment correctly
Follow the instructions provided regarding labels, documents and the information that must accompany the bird. Identification must remain legible, securely attached and must not cover the ventilation openings, doors or mesh.
Confirm the cargo terminal, acceptance time and required documents. Before delivery, check the condition of the bird, the fastenings, ventilation and the food and hydration systems again.
Track the transport and arrange collection
Make sure the sender, recipient and emergency contact remain available throughout the journey. Share the tracking details and confirm with the operator the procedures to follow in the event of a delay, change or cancellation.
The recipient should arrange collection in advance and check the condition of the bird and carrier box on arrival. The carrier box should only be opened in a secure, enclosed area. If the bird shows signs of injury, breathing difficulties, severe weakness or other concerning behaviour, a veterinary surgeon with experience in birds should be contacted.
Careful preparation helps protect the bird
Shipping birds as air cargo should be planned in advance. Confirming the route, gathering the required documentation, preparing a suitable carrier box and coordinating delivery and collection helps reduce unforeseen problems and protect the bird's welfare.
The role of Ninhos de Sonho
Ninhos de Sonho provides carrier boxes developed for the air transport of birds, but does not organise or monitor the air cargo service. Procedures, documentation and acceptance of the shipment must be confirmed directly with the airline, cargo agent and competent authorities.
Related products
Discover some of the Air Export carrier boxes developed for shipping birds as air cargo. Always confirm acceptance of the model with the airline or cargo agent.
