Cost of Air Transport for a Coffin (Remains) in 2025
In 2025, the cost of shipping a coffin (with the deceased) by air depends on several factors:
Weight of the coffin (including zinc lining and packaging)
Dimensions: length × width × height (because air freight is billed by volumetric weight)
Airline used
Destination airport
Airport handling fees (Handling Fees)
Airlines use a standard formula:
(Length × Width × Height) / 6,000 = volumetric weight in kg
Example of a typical coffin:
Length: 200 cm
Width: 60 cm
Height: 50 cm
Actual weight: 110 kg (including zinc, shroud and packaging)
Calculation:
(200 × 60 × 50) / 6,000 = 100 kg volumetric weight
Freight charges are calculated based on whichever is higher – actual weight or volumetric weight.
In this example: 110 kg.
| Destination | Average price / kg | Estimated total price |
|---|---|---|
| Türkiye (Istanbul) | 9–12 € | 1,000 – 1,300 € |
| Egypt (Cairo) | 10–14 € | 1,200 – 1,600 € |
| Syria (via Beirut) | 13–16 € | 1,500 – 1,800 € |
| Iraq (Baghdad/Erbil) | 14–18 € | 1,600 – 2,000 € |
| Morocco / Tunisia | 10–13 € | 1,200 – 1,400 € |
These prices do not include:
Fees for issuing the Leichenpass (mortuary passport)
Cost of the metal zinc coffin (Zinksarg)
Consular fees
Fees of the local funeral home
Airport charges and handling fees
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Leichenpass (mortuary passport) | 40–100 € |
| Metal zinc coffin (Zinksarg) | 400–800 € |
| Embalming certificate or special body bag | 50–150 € |
| Funeral home services | 800–1,500 € |
| Consular fees (documents) | 30–70 € |
Airlines do not deal directly with private individuals.
All arrangements must be made through a funeral company or a professional freight forwarder.
They book the air waybill and calculate an accurate quotation based on destination, dimensions and actual weight.
The authors and editorial team of this website strive to provide accurate information based on intensive research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details may occur. Please treat the information in this article as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities and specialists for binding, case-specific advice.
