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
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:
- Death Certificate (original and photocopies)
- NOC from Police (with cause of death)
- Embalming Certificate
- Coffin Certificate
- Photo ID of deceased
- ID Proof of person receiving the body
- Booking form / airline cargo receipt
- 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.
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:
We also facilitate repatriation from and to countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, USA, Singapore, and others.
