Dead Body Transportation by Air in India

When tragedy strikes far from home, VMEDO is here to bring your loved one back with care, speed, and dignity. Our expert team specializes in dead body transportation by air across India and internationally, handling everything from embalming and coffin preparation to flight bookings and documentation. Available 24/7, we ensure a hassle-free, respectful, and timely process, so you can focus on what matters most—bidding a proper farewell. With a trusted network of airlines, hospitals, and authorities, VMEDO guarantees compassionate support and complete end-to-end service during your most difficult hours. Call us now at +91-9343180000 for immediate assistance.

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What is Dead Body Transportation by Air?

Dead body air transportation involves transferring the mortal remains of a deceased person by airplane from one city or country to another. This method ensures faster delivery, which is crucial for final rites and helps avoid decomposition in long-distance cases.

There are two primary types:

• Domestic Air Transportation – within India
• International Air Transportation – repatriation from/to foreign countries

When is Air Transport of Dead Bodies Required?

• When a person dies in a different state or city than their home
  
• Death occurs during travel or pilgrimage
  
• Individuals working or staying abroad pass away, requiring repatriation
  
• In case of accidents or disasters in remote areas
• Medical tourists or NRI patients who died in India

Step-by-Step Process for Dead Body Transportation by Air (Domestic)

1. Death Declaration and Certificate

The process starts with official death declaration by a registered medical practitioner. After that, you must collect the Death Certificate from the hospital or local authorities.

2. Post-Mortem (If Required)

If the death was due to unnatural causes (accident, suicide, etc.), a post-mortem is mandatory.

3. No Objection Certificate (NOC)

You must obtain a NOC from the local police station where death occurred. It mentions that there are no legal issues in transporting the body.

4. Embalming

The body must be embalmed by a certified embalmer to prevent decomposition. This process usually takes 2–3 hours and is mandatory for air transport.

5. Coffin Box Preparation

Post-embalming, the body is sealed in a coffin box with a transparent glass top (optional). The box must be leak-proof, airtight, and compliant with airline regulations.

6. Coffin Certificate

The embalming center issues a Coffin Certificate stating that embalming was done and the coffin is sealed properly.

7. Booking Cargo Space in the Airline

Airlines transport the body as air cargo, not as passenger luggage. The coffin is booked with the airline’s cargo services, depending on space availability and route.

8. Receiving Person Details

Details of the person who will receive the body at the destination airport must be submitted, including their ID proof.

9. Airway Bill Issuance

An Airway Bill is generated by the airline, and the body is handed over to cargo officials.

Required Documents for Dead Body Air Transport (India)

Here is a list of documents required:

1. Death Certificate (original and photocopies)
2. NOC from Police (with cause of death)
3. Embalming Certificate
4. Coffin Certificate
5. Photo ID of deceased
6. ID Proof of person receiving the body
7. Booking form / airline cargo receipt
8. Consent Letter (optional, from next of kin)

Types of Air Transport

1. Commercial Airlines (Cargo)

Used for scheduled transport through airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoFirst, and Vistara. Bodies are transported as air cargo.

2. Chartered Air Ambulance

Used for urgent or remote locations, or when families want complete privacy and faster transit. Significantly more expensive than commercial cargo.

Airlines in India that Allow Human Remains as Cargo

Most major airlines allow transportation of dead bodies with prior booking:

Airline	Allows Human Remains?	Advance Notice Required
Air India	Yes	24–48 hours
IndiGo	Yes	12–24 hours
Vistara	Yes	12–24 hours
SpiceJet	Yes	24 hours
Akasa Air	Yes	24 hours
GoFirst	Yes	12–24 hours

NOTE: Always check specific route availability and air cargo service timings.

Dead Body Packaging & Coffin Box Guidelines

• Zinc-lined wooden coffin
  
• Airtight sealing
  
• Transparent top (optional)
  
• Leak-proof
  
• Stamped and certified by the embalming center
  
• Airline tag and airway bill attached

How VMEDO Helps in Dead Body Air Transport

At VMEDO, we provide end-to-end coordination for air transportation of mortal remains. Our services include:

• 24/7 emergency support
• Hearse van pickup & drop
• Embalming & coffin box arrangements
• Coffin certification
• Police & hospital NOC assistance
• Flight cargo booking
• Airway bill coordination
• Ground handling at airports
• Repatriation support (for international cases)

We coordinate with airlines, cargo teams, mortuaries, hospitals, and receiving parties to ensure a smooth, respectful, and timely delivery.

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Who Cannot Use Dead Body Transportation by Air Service?

While VMEDO aims to support as many people as possible during times of loss, there are certain situations where dead body air transportation may not be permitted or feasible, including:

• Unembalmed Bodies for International Transport: International air transport requires mandatory embalming and proper coffin sealing. If embalming is not performed or feasible, the body cannot be transported by air.
  
• Cases Without Proper Documentation: Missing legal documents such as a valid death certificate, NOC from authorities, or identity proof can result in denial of cargo clearance by airlines or immigration.
  
• Contagious Disease Without Clearance: If the person died from a highly contagious disease (like Ebola or severe infectious diseases) and clearance is not granted by health authorities, transport may be restricted.
  
• Non-Human Remains: This service is strictly for transporting deceased human bodies and not for ashes, pets, or anatomical parts.
  
• Regions with Flight Restrictions or Conflict Zones: If the destination country is under airspace restrictions, war, or political unrest, air transportation may be delayed or unavailable.
• Transport Without a Receiving Party Abroad: For international shipments, a local contact or funeral service provider must be present at the destination to receive the body. Without this, the body cannot be dispatched.

International Repatriation of Dead Bodies

When someone dies abroad or an Indian citizen needs to be brought back, international repatriation is required. This involves:

• Local consulate/NOC
  
• Transit permits
  
• Translation of documents
  
• Consular & customs clearance
  
• International airline booking
  
• Sealed & certified coffin
  

Cost: ₹1.5 Lakhs – ₹5 Lakhs depending on country, documentation, and airline.

VMEDO works closely with embassies, consulates, and international logistics partners to ensure seamless repatriation.

Cities Where VMEDO Provides Dead Body Air Transport Services

We provide dead body air transport assistance in all major Indian cities including:

• Bangalore
  
• Delhi
  
• Mumbai
  
• Chennai
  
• Hyderabad
  
• Pune
  
• Ahmedabad
  
• Kolkata
  

We also facilitate repatriation from and to countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, USA, Singapore, and others. 

Dead body transportation by air in India | Detailed Steps, Documents, and Cost

 When tragedy strikes far from home, VMEDO is here to bring your loved one back with care, speed, and dignity. Our expert team specializes in dead body transportation by air across India and internationally, handling everything from embalming and coffin preparation to flight bookings and documentation. Available 24/7, we ensure a hassle-free, respectful, and timely process, so you can focus on what matters most—bidding a proper farewell. With a trusted network of airlines, hospitals, and authorities, VMEDO guarantees compassionate support and complete end-to-end service during your most difficult hours. Call us now at +91-9343180000 for immediate assistance.

What is Dead Body Transportation by Air?

Dead body air transportation involves transferring the mortal remains of a deceased person by airplane from one city or country to another. This method ensures faster delivery, which is crucial for final rites and helps avoid decomposition in long-distance cases.

There are two primary types:

• Domestic Air Transportation – within India
  
• International Air Transportation – repatriation from/to foreign countries

When is Air Transport of Dead Bodies Required?

• When a person dies in a different state or city than their home
  
• Death occurs during travel or pilgrimage
  
• Individuals working or staying abroad pass away, requiring repatriation
  
• In case of accidents or disasters in remote areas
  
• Medical tourists or NRI patients who died in India

How to transport the dead body by plane within Indian cities?

This is also known as Domestic dead body transportation or Domestic dead body repatriation. Various Metro cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai, attract a lot of people from neighboring cities and from other states with job opportunities. They stay in a different city for a very long time, and in case of death, they have to be transferred to their home. The family back home needs to get their loved one back, and in such a situation, here are the steps one needs to follow.

1. Get Hospital clearance and get the death certificate issued

• You need to get a Death certificate issued from the hospital or the concerned doctor stating the cause of death.
• Death Certificate Format: Please ensure that the issued death certificate has the following details in it – Name, age, gender, date of death, Reason for death, Address of the deceased, Identification mark if any, Doctor name, Doctor signature with a seal, Doctor Registration ID or medical License number.
• Cross-check if all the details are correct and match any ID card of the deceased.
• If the death certificate is issued in the local language, request the doctor for the English version of the same. Just to avoid possible resistance from air cargo authorities at the source or destination point. We have experienced a few situations where this has happened, which could lead to delays in airport clearance.
• Take a few photocopies of the death certificate, at least 10 numbers.
• In the case of unnatural death, you might need to get a post-mortem. You need to collect the post-mortem certificate, and FIR copy from the police department.
• Please read the reason for death properly, you need to know it before you book air cargo, as few of the air cargo may not allow the human remains of a person who may have died of yellow fever, plague, anthrax, or other diseases.

2. Arrange for mortuary

• Once the death certificate is issued, check for air cargo availability from your nearest airport to the destination airport. In case you have to wait for a long time, it’s better if you can book a mortuary for the body to keep it away from decomposition.
• You can demand to freeze at the hospital mortuary
• If the particular hospital doesn’t have a mortuary facility you can book the nearest private or government mortuary.
• Book a Mortuary ambulance with a freezer box fitted to transport the dead body from the hospital to the mortuary.

3. Get Police NOC from the local police station

• You need to get the police clearance or NOC from the nearest police jurisdiction.
• Police will issue a NOC understanding of the circumstances.

4. Get an Embalming service and an Embalming certificate issued

• One of the most important documents for transporting human remains by air is the Embalming certificate. Basically, a body needs to undergo Embalming to avoid decomposition for a long time.
• Various private, government hospitals and private Embalming service providers offer this service and issue Embalming Certificates. Find the nearest embalming center and get the embalming certificate signed and sealed by the concerned authorities or the Embalming doctor.
• You should then arrange a coffin box and coffin box certificate.

5. Book a Coffin Box and get a Coffin box certificate

• Once the Embalming center hands over the body along with the Embalming certificate, you need to book a Coffin box from the nearest funeral undertaker.
• Make sure that the coffin box you are getting is from a professional undertaker and that the coffin box has not been used earlier. Request your undertaker for a coffin box certificate for air cargo clearance.

6. Arrange a list of  Documents required for cargo clearance for dead body

Keep 10 copies of the following documents handy for cargo clearance

• Death certificate
• Post-mortem copy
• Police NOC
• Embalming certificate
• Coffin certificate
• Photo and ID card (Aadhaar card/ driving license or any equivalent document)
• Contact details of the receiver in case of non-accompanied transport

7. Book a Mortuary ambulance to the airport

• Once you have all these documents with you, you need to take the human remains to the airport by mortuary ambulance. You can choose to book the nearest ambulance through VMEDO.
• Now you may not need to book a freezer-fitted mortuary vehicle as the body inside the coffin box has undergone embalming service.

9. Book a cargo ticket

• Not every air operator accepts Human remains in their cargo. Check for air cargo accepting Human remains or dead bodies in India. Call the air cargo department and enquire about the availability of the service and the next available flight. Book cargo online (if possible). Usually the majority of air operators don’t accept online bookings for a dead body. You need to visit the cargo department physically to book the slots.
• Please report to the AWB section of Air cargo and produce all the documents at least 3 hours before departure time.
• You can book for the Air cargo with or without accompaniment.
• In case of transportation without an attendee, you need to give the contact details of the receiver.
• Whereas, if the transportation is with an attendee, you need to book an air ticket for the same flight.

The entire procedure can take a lot of time. VMEDO can help you with an end to end transportation including all the documentation support. We allocate a dedicated executive to help you throughout the process who knows the complete steps and to get the documentation on time from the concerned authorities. You can call VMEDO Helpline +91-9343180000 for more details and for service bookings.

How much does it cost to transport the dead body by air in India?

The price for domestic dead body transportation will be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000 INR. The cost depends on various factors. Here are a few major factors that determine the cost of dead body transportation by Air in India.

Air cargo charges to transport the dead body by air: This depends on the weight of the coffin and the destination airport. Usually, for children below 10 years, 50kg is considered, and for adults 100 kg is considered including that of the coffin box. The cost for cargo again depends on the air cargo service provider. Generally, air cargo cost for a dead body is around ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.

1. Coffin box and certificate cost in India: This depends upon the type of coffin that you are booking; you can choose to book a normal wooden coffin box or a premium wooden coffin box. Usually, the cost for a coffin box will be between ₹3,000 to ₹12,000, depending upon the type of coffin you need.
2. Mortuary ambulance cost: This depends upon the distance from the hospital to the mortuary and from the mortuary to the airport cargo section. Usually, it costs about ₹5,000 to travel up to 100 km. More than that, the price may vary depending on the vehicle type and total distance.
3. Embalming service charges in India: Most of the govt hospitals do the embalming services for free. However, private Embalming centers may charge up to ₹5,000 for Embalming services.
4. Mortuary charges: Most of the govt hospitals do not charge for Mortuary storage. However private hospitals and Private mortuary centers might charge up to ₹5,000 for the storage of the dead bodies in the Freezer.
5. Air ticket charges: If someone is accompanying the cargo then the air tickets for the passengers need to be booked. It will purely depend upon the air operator and the traveling distance. As you will be booking it at the last moment, generally it will be on the higher side than the usual.

These are the major cost factors, but if you are hiring a professional or an agent to assist you throughout the process his professional charges will be added.

If you want professional assistance for transporting a dead body across India, Call VMEDO Helpline: 9343-180000 and find out the best cost in the market. We have partnered with ambulance partners across India, and professional agents to assist you throughout the process and our 24×7 emergency assistance team will help you with all the required documentation verification and discussion with local authorities whenever required.

What is an advanced life support ambulance?

ALS (Advanced Life Support) is designed for pre-hospital life support and transportation of a patient to the hospital during an emergency. An ALS unit will have a paramedic along with Emergency Medical Technician who can administer medication to a patient.

When to choose ALS Ambulance?

ALS transport patients who need a higher level of care like,

• Any medical/surgical patient with a continuous IV medicine but does not need an RN per state protocols.
• Any patient on a Cardiac Monitor
• Obstetrical Patients
• Patients from urgent care centers
• Patients with potential airway compromise
• Any patient deemed to have a potential complication during transport when the report is received from the sending facility.

What is included in ALS Ambulance?

The ALS Ambulance is equipped with state-of-the-art heart and blood pressure monitoring equipment, pulse oximetry, IV pumps, airway equipment( oxygen delivery devices) including a CPAP, glucose testing device and advanced medications used to treat a variety of illnesses and provide pain relief.

Where to book an ALS Ambulance?

There are a number of private ambulance service providers who are assisting people with these kinds of transport services. We at VMEDO provide ambulance service with featured and fully equipped ALS(Advanced Life Support) vehicle.

VMEDO provides a highly equipped ALS ambulance with trained paramedic staff who takes care of patients very gently until they arrive at the hospital.

To book an ALS ambulance and to book other ambulance services call VMEDO helpline number: 9343180000 or Download VMEDO App from playstore.

What are the types of CPR techniques?

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) - one of the important first aid technique which is useful in many emergencies including heart attack, cardiac arrest, and drowning to restart the heart functioning.

Types of CPR techniques:

High-Frequency Chest Compressions: High-Frequency Chest Compressions is an important CPR technique that helps to improve resuscitation from cardiac arrest.

Open-Chest CPR: Open chest CPR is a technique in which the heart is accessed through a thoracotomy. Compressions are performed using the thumb and fingers or with the palm and extended fingers against the sternum. This technique helps to generate forward blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure.

Interposed Abdominal Compression CPR: Interposed Abdominal Compression or IAC CPR is basically a 3-rescuer technique-an abdominal compressor, the chest compressor and the rescuer providing ventilation. This technique includes conventional chest compressions combined with alternating abdominal compressions. The IAC CPR helps to increases diastolic aortic pressure and venous return, leading to improved coronary perfusion pressure and blood flow to other vital organs.

What should be the CPR ratio?

Adults - 30:2 (single or two rescuers)

Child - 30:2 (single rescuer) 15:2 (two rescuers)

Infants- 30:2 (single rescuer) 15:2 (two rescuers)

Myths and Facts about CPR:

Where to get CPR/First Aid training?

Get trained with life-saving first aid techniques with one of the leading first aid training providers in Bangalore-VMEDO.

VMEDO is a healthcare startup which is assisting people with medical transportation as well as training people with first aid techniques to make the difference between life and death.

Reserve your seat now. Call VMEDO helpline: 9343180000 or Download VMEDO App from play store.